The Case of the Crooked Candle

stock reply of aren’t
all lawyers confession-and-avoidance

pleas of thwarted ideas thrust
with an assurance of precedence

are you willing to finish her?

when to toe the line on the highway
find yourself on the spot
and you know on what grounds

that’s your hard luck

common everyday terms so
the layman will show a body
and ask you where to turn

fraudulent habitual drawl
sitting tight from one mercenary position

clumsy attempt at a chance
with the oars to no avail