PRAGUE CASTLE

There’s a trial going on
am I the accused or the accuser
its been going on for centuries
don’t know what the charges are
if they’re trumped up
or a bureaucratic error
I have to cross the stone bridge
and check into the castle
it’s a bit of a climb
leaves me panting

when I get there
I’m handed an envelope
with papers to sign
if I don’t sign I’ll be assumed guilty
and be placed on probation or parole
will a persistent cough exonerate me?
while the trial is postponed
I fold the paper this is written on
into a paper boat

it will float downstream and lead me
to the scene of a possible crime
committed in my name
by someone whose identity is an alias
according to my defense counsel
I can only confess to myopia