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The Legal Studies Forum
Volume 30, Number 1/2 (2006) reprinted by permission Legal Studies Forum Lawyers & Poets A World Re-Composed PETER CL ROTH _______________________ Cardinal Points The chief of conservation wears the starched green uniform with gold medallions, A beretta, shoes shined to a high black gloss. Something in his shirt pocket presses a circle the size of a snuff tin, More or less. He brings me personnel problems, One guy who drinks too much and beats up his girlfriend. Another who hates everyone and, badge heavy, he shows it. Today's a man who's plotting against the chief. Game wardens, cops in green uniforms. They check licenses and ticket hunters that cheat, fishermen with too many, Looking for gut piles and bloody drag marks in the brown woods. They search for those lost in the snow, drowned in the lake, A boy, dead of exposure. After hearing about the drunk, the fascist, the plotter, I ask, "Chief what's that circle in your pocket?" "That's my compass," he replies. "I always carry it. In case I get lost on my way to work." [553]
Peter CL Roth is Senior Assistant Attorney General in New Hampshire. |
