In court he knew the territory.
It was often perilous
and the law wasn’t always just.
But he was equipped for all that.
Even surprises weren’t uncommon.
He knew where his conscience was
and how to keep it.
When he retired the courtroom
was just a memory
and his game was gone,
like an aging athlete’s.
For anyone else
staying out of court
would be desirable.
But he was now a pin
in the world’s alley
seeing the ***** rolling down
with no alternative but
fate itself
as it moves toward
its finale.
He could choose
to play a minor part,
and archive his
old victories.
Or become an old crank
fighting for things
no one remembers.
Then wait for praise
at the end,
as a admirable advocate
for things that used to matter.