a public defender

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The call comes in.

“That was quick!”

Heading upstairs, time slows down.

The judicial marshals converge. There are 5 of them now.

The judge enters. Everyone stands. Some sit. Some remain standing.

There is a knock on the door. Six people enter. They announce their presence.

A question is asked.

My heart is pounding. I can barely hear what is being said.

I’m staring at my desk; I can’t bear to look up.

The tension is palpable; the room is silent. Time has stopped.

Firmly, a voice slices through the heavy air.

Two words.

A gasp. A stifled cry.

I don’t raise my head. There’s more to come.

Another question. Silence has been replaced by nervous energy.

Time seems even slower, if that’s possible. My heart is thundering.

Two more words.

Suddenly, time rushes forward. The judge is talking, but no one is really paying attention.

Two words never sounded sweeter.

A man is free.

[I tried to find a video of Ani Difranco doing a version of Amazing Grace - the best version out there, in my opinion, but was unable to. You can listen to the song, though, by clicking below - and I really recommend it.]

Amazing Grace by Ani DiFranco