I found the paperwork guilty by due process

the evidence:  mistrust based on experience

and cynicism for the system.

 

In the dock, misplaced dreams

      holiday offers

      expired vouchers

 

     charity pleas

     unmissable opportunities

 

      mobility literature

      bank statements

 

      terms and conditional conditions,

      manuals for departed appliances

 

      and their guarantees

      with hidden fees

all worthless fruitless

and fruit for the fire

now lit and feasting,

only virgin print on paper offered

to the flames of purgatory

 

now no longer upbeat, but black

with impotent rage, before

the greedy air swept in

with its cloak like a justice of the peace

unimpressed by false promises.