Here is the story – a book and film too

Incredible but some stories are true

An ebony giant John Coffey the name

He said “Like the drink but it's not spelled the same”

Convicted of murder – a kangaroo trial

John Coffey must soon walk the shortest Green Mile

 

With noose and with guns they came from the town

Cradling two bodies was how he was found

Two little children ravaged and dead

“I couldn't save them” was all that he said

With dogs and with vengeance the white possee came

But white and black justice are never the same

 

Polite and so gentle like he was a child

Inside a man's body, humble and mild

The taunt “Dead man walking” came from a cruel guard

As shuffling in chains to his cell he was barred

A black cloud above him, he knew all the while

John Coffey must soon walk the shortest Green Mile

 

Slow in his thinking, belied by his face

An innocent vessel containing God's grace

Placed on this Earth for The Father to shun

So yet again sacrificing a son

But God always loved more his killers like Cain

He'd christened his sons with initials the same.

 

Worker of miracles he made no claim

Was he Jesus Christ – his initials the same?

A second returning but not crucified

But strapped to a chair; John Coffey was fried.

Another man's crime this murder so vile

But Coffey would walk the shortest green mile.