JUSTICE

: Ralph Semino Galan

These are the accoutrements of her office
The blindfold symbolizing impartiality;
A golden pair of scales measuring the validity

Of evidence given, both pro and con;

The double edged sword that pierces through
The thick fabric of lies; thot’s feather

Of truth which ultimately determines whether

The defendants life is worth saving.
In J. Elizalde Navarro’s oil painting titled

Is this Philippine Justice? The figure

Of the Roman goddess Justitia slowly fades
Into thin air, swallowed by pigments

Cloud as doubts. In my uncertain country

Where right and wrong are cards
That can be shuffled like a pile of money bills,
Even the land’s chief magistrate
Is not immune from culpability; found guilty
He has to face the music of
derision.