Am I Guilty?

Cora, my beloved wife,
Called Belle Elmore on stage,
Carelessly having affairs out in public.
Couldn’t shake you off of me if I tried, in the beginning.
Cora had healed my heart since my Charlotte died.                                                                                                                                                                     5

Rose petals into ruin with that woman.
“Returned to the US, that she did.” I claimed,
Rousing not of suspicion, of course.
Ran to Le Neve afterwards, I did. She
Rose suspicion when she started wearing Cora’s                                                                                                                                                                      10
Rosy clothes and jewelry.
Ran away to sea, we did.
Ruin shot me worse than a bullet.

I didn’t kill my beloved wife!
I loved her so much; we just grew apart.                                                                                                                                                                                     15
I got lonely after she “left” and I found Le Neve.
I am not a killer!
I am just a mere homeopath.
I wouldn’t hurt my own patients, intentionally!
I’m telling the truth,                                                                                                                                                                                                                      20
I didn’t kill my wife!!!

Perhaps it was jealousy.
Perhaps the cops were just bored.
Probably because I looked good for the crime.
Please tell me why I ended up being arrested in SS Laurentic, yet I was                                                                                                                                   25
Pleased to have this nightmare over with.

Properly arrested, I was.
Placed in Pentonville Prison, London.
Put a noose around my neck.
Pretty sight to see a “guilty” man hanging.                                                                                                                                                                                 30
Photo of my beloved Le Neve placed with me.
Perhaps for the best to not have me around.

Evidence only Cora’s scar tissue used to
Ensnare me.
Ethel Le Neve got to escape.                                                                                                                                                                                                      35
Escape didn’t wait for me, however--
Ends for me here.

Now, I ask you my friend, the juror.
Nice to hear a new opinion for a change.
Nice not to be judged so hastily.                                                                                                                                                                                                 40
Now, be honest with me when I ask this:
Now am I guilty or am I not guilty?