the courtroom was packed as the verdict was delivered the quiet defendant sat paralyzed in disbelief her hands would be severed she would be hung and then burnt i turned to console her but she was already being ushered away her life had never been an easy one forced to procreate like beasts in dark stables she wept whenever she laid her head down to sleep to escape would be her only refuge from this trivial life she had been forced to lead her lover s empty promises drove her towards these drastic measures her timeline was ticking with the spring thaw quickly approaching aware that she would be whisked away with the free flowing currents she had to react the tiny witness who pointed her out giggles today as she walks towards the schoolhouse but angelique had no freedom ever since that gavel fell the shovel full of coals is what persuaded the judge at the gallows she stood before them with quivering lips she begged for absolution but when the hangman tripped the switch her body finally fell towards its fate afterwards the empty carcass was flunt upon the pyre her neighbors and comrades all watched as the hem of her skirt ignited they all cheered with glee as the flames consumed her