The Agonist

So, lowly criminal,
please tell me, how do you plead?
Now, honorable judges, ladies, gentlemen of the jury, please allow me to present my case...
Ha! What case can you possibly present
to rip a man from his family, faith, and friends? Defense?
Listen before you convict, you see, I never did intend to ruin anything!
Intent is a guilty conscience's white flag against pride,
so I find you guilty of the crimes.
I know, although i don't believe
it's not only my afterlife I bereave.
Appeals will be denied!
The line of duty calls for enforcement of laws, so you're our property now.
Intelligence has failed you somehow.
Oh, what a shame you play this game!
Through senses, what can we explain?
Not joy, not guilt, not pain.
Is love the same?
This senseless argument in vain erodes my sense of shame.
Who's to blame?