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Legal Separation We live in a jail. There is Plexiglas between We talk into the telephone We are not allowed to scream Because if we do we are sent to Solitary. Because, in the plea bargain, we agreed. Heads bowed and walking to our balanced-diet, state-supplied dinners. Talking over the metal trays We parry and thrust and we are tough and nearly dead. Numb and speechless After we have talked out the agreement Lawyers on one side, papers between Heads bowed and walking to our cells. Punishment feels like extreme boredom The judge says, the judge says. Wait. Just wait. Just wait! Follow the rules or face the consequences. The consequences will cost a lot of money, and time inside the courtroom, I assure you. We could ask for help. I assure you. We could become jailhouse lawyers. I assure you. We could become recidivists, career criminals. Many trips to the cell. We will make acquaintance with inmates from adjoining parallels. Everyone has a story to tell. Rehabilitation is rare—a gold nugget, a clear blue sky, someone waiting for your return from hell. 43 ...

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