He sat straight.
His elder siblings had made him
old, early.

He sat straight.
The military had taught him
to be tall,
brave,
in the face of danger and fear.

He sat straight.
His wife had loved him,
loves him, will always
love
him and stay by his side.

He sat straight.
The Times had told him
money was tough,
success was
transitory,
and business impossible.

He sat straight.
His partner had promised him
everything was fine
and legal and
safe,
but was caught.

He sat straight.
The judge had declared him
to be
guilty
of all charges.

He stood straight.
The rope would free him
and his world
and the army
and his wife from the
shame,
his shame.

He stood straight,
with air underneath
and the ground calling his name.