The stage was set
With the actors
But the accused and his lawyers
Were hesitant

The government’s bullying
Was showing
But the judge was
Blind and distant

Denying most of
The defense’s motions
But for the prosecution
He was obedient

Exculpatory evidence
Was denied
While inculpatory
Was non-existent

Prosecutor had
A field day
As the jury was
Mostly militant

The accused was like
A deaf in an opera
The trial was anything
But fair and vibrant

The lawyers raised
A constitutional challenge
A passionate defense
And were mostly defiant

But everything was
Variable and changing
Except a guilty verdict
Was always constant

The Press hailed the outcome
Called it a fair trial
And was clearly jubilant

But just in case
Had the court never been cooperative
He would’ve been designated
An enemy combatant