I am a judge. I swore people in.
I had them swear
to tell the truth
the whole truth
nothing but the truth.

I am a lawyer. I prepared clients.
I told them to listen
to answer the question
they were asked
to volunteer no other facts.

I am a lawyer. I asked the questions.
I knew how to ask
for the answer I wanted
and not for those close to it
I’d rather not have raised.

I am a person.
I excel at lying
maybe because of the other.
I can answer questions the legal way
when I talk to my sponsor.
Or I can pour out my heart
reveal my secrets
and recover.