Fingers Crossed
Lichen Throat

In jail for sixteen years,
My eyes are drained of tears.
No reasonable doubt,
They’ll never let me out.
I’m not guilty.
I’m not guilty.
They’re cooking my last meal.
I get down and kneel.
Fingers crossed,
Not all hope is lost
Before I exhaust
My very last appeal.

My cell is eight feet wide.
There’s nowhere I can hide.
I grasp these iron bars,
My hands covered with scars.
I’m not guilty.
I’m not guilty.
Nothing left but fear.
I am locked in here,
Fingers crossed,
Now all hope is lost.
Like an early frost,
I'm soon to disappear.

I didn't do what they said I did,
But I did something worse.
I don't think I'll ever get rid
Of this self-inflicted curse.

My lonely life is done.
Nowhere left to run.
Only hours left
Before I face my death.
I'm not guilty,
But I'm guilty:
With every selfish thought
I tie the hangman’s knot.
Fingers crossed,
Not all hope is lost;
I'll pay any cost
For the mercy I have sought.