The Mark of the Claw

A question of judgement decided in haste

A case of malfunction an error of taste

A moment of madness occasioned by stress

A classic misjudgment a god-awful mess

The moment of panic preceding the crash

The sickening terror the defeating smash

A loud wail of sirens descend on the scene

The camera dissolves a crescendo of screams

The memory's imprinted like some dreadful sore

The fearful reminder: the mark of the claw

A question of judgement concerned in the case

The method of access regarding the place

The possible motive the absence of blood

The theories unanswered regarding the thud

The outcome was certain the jury was hung

Their verdict resolved by ruling of thumb

The judgement was mercy: they tendered the plea

The judge raised his hand and the prisoner was free