No Bono by Demond J Blake

No bono

Outside the 
courtroom
we wait for
the public 
defenders
and I must
say most
of us look
like we need
defending

We are unwashed
tired looking
beat down
depressed

We are the
public

We got into
a little 
trouble

We need
defending

But the defenders
are taking
their sweet
time getting
to us waiting
for pretrial in
department S9
stomach gurgling

A twelve pack is a
poor substitute 
for dinner on
most nights

Some cops mob
up and herd us 
across the
stairway 
because some
prisoners are
being escorted
to the courtroom

The fuzz tell
us not to
interact or
stare

I take a 
quick peek

Four men in
green jumpsuits
legs and wrists
chained shuffle
slowly along
as folks whisper
amongst themselves
and the chains
sing to each other

Once they're in we
go back to 
our spots

None of us
will probably
end up in
chains today

But the way
things are
going you
can never
tell

Demond J Blake is a warehouse associate who has traveled the country working odd jobs, writing and meeting various artists, musicians and nonconformists living life on the fringes of society. He lives in Colton, CA with his wife and teenage son. Demond is currently seeking publication for an essay collection entitled 'The Spiritual Matrix'; 'The ______ Generation: Slackass', his first novel, and 'Pay Me the Penny After', his first collection of poetry.