Betrayal
Part One

August 1996
Murder One, no doubt.
The prosecution might ask for the death penalty.
How do we, her family, feel about that?

June 3, 1997
Murder One, no doubt Death Penalty?
Sorry, Janet Reno says no they can't.
That's okay. We want life without parole.

June 27, 1997
Murder One, no doubt--well maybe not.
Not premeditated say the psychiatrists.
But he got a knife--waited while she showered.

November 4, 1997
Murder One. The all-male jury hears the charge.
Only men will listen to the evidence.
See her damp, nude, bloddy, body and decide.

November 19, 1997
Murder One? No. He pleads Murder Two.
He'll get eleven to fourteen years, maybe more.
That's justice? Not for Margaret!

Criminal Justice
Part Two

March 19, 1998
Sentencing Hearing
At last, we get to speak--tell her story.
Please hear our pain and Margie's too.
Assert the value of her life. Demand payment.

May 4, 1998
Sentencing
We do not breathe--awaiting the Judge's words.
Judge Muir says thirty years and five months.
Yes! It is not enough but more than we expected.

September 1998
Mitch appeals
The confessed murderer's appeal is heard.
He took responsibility--the sentence is too cruel.
But so was Margie's painful tragic death.

December 15, 1998
Appellate Court Hearing
We go to Philadelphia--the City of Brotherly Love.
Supported by "Survivor" friends to hear his claims.
Only legal issues count. Not Margie. Not our devastation.

May 6, 1999
Appellate Decision
Three appellate judges have decreed--too severe.
Judge Muir must shorten Mitch's sentence.
Margie's sentence or our's are still for life.

September 22,1999
Mitch's Resentencing
Almost nine years are deducted from his prison term.
Healing and resolution must come from within us.
Justice is a callous fantasy we were lured into believing.

  - Shirley Pierce Bostrom

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Eastern Autumn

The sky is so blue, Margaret.
The clouds puffy and white.
The air crisp and invigerating.
The day is a great one to be alive--in New England.

The maples are bright crimson, yellow, and scarlett.
Contrasting deep green pine trees,
Orange and golden leaves are also part of nature's pallet.
How can I be sad on a day like this?

How can I ever be happy again?
You came east looking forward to autumn's magic.
But in August, you left this life forever.
So many dreams unfulfilled.

I feel your touch, hear your gentle whisper,
Ma, don't cry. I can see all the magic from here.
My view is vast and quite beautiful.
But I can't see you, Margaret.

  - Shirley Pierce Bostrom, Autumn of 1996

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