"Guilty Or Not Guilty" or "Bar of Justice" (Favorite Poem)


"Guilty Or Not Guilty" or "Bar of Justice" (Favorite Poem)

0
points

This became my favorite poem when I reached an old enough age to understand the words. No one can read it without feeling deep emotion, as it tells a story of a fifteen year old girl brought to court for stealing three loaves of bread. I recited this poem during a talent contest in high school, dressed as a peasant with a young man dressed as a German soldier leading me onto the stage by my bound hands. Although this poem was written before WWII (I originally found it in a poetry collection dated 1936), perhaps it was applicable to WWI. "Guilty Or Not Guilty" is also called "Bar of Justice," and I have been told it is also a ballad (song). The only instance on the internet with the complete words I could find was at this link; it is included in a 1984 newsletter for an organization - Skip down a good ways to find the poem labeled "Guilty or Not Guilty."

Type: 
Article





Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
Free SEO Resources's picture

very moving

That is a very moving poem. Sad story.

It reminded me of an old public service commercial I used to see on TV. There was a young girl cooking some oatmeal for her two little siblings..she fed them and had nothing left for herself. I always felt so sad for her when I saw that ad. It was so moving.

The Hunger Site
champagnedreams's picture

Great One

Very moving.