Bleach Attack on Aunt, 70

(Found poem, Providence Journal, April 4, 2006)

Lea, a mother of three,
entered a no-contest plea,
almost killed the elderly,
charged with assault
and battery.

for felony

The bleach caused aunt
first-degree injury:
her head
eyes
neck,
arms
back
legs
feet--
unconscious
for four days
critically.

for felony

Mid-trial Lea
accepts full responsibility;
lawyers says she
should have been charged
with attempted
murder, first degree.

for felony

Plea bargain dismisses
embezzlement
of aunt's money.

for felony

Now she'll serve six years
in state custody.

for felony

Copyright © 2006 by Mo Swanson