Up the hill
Treading the familiar path
Toward the pillar I stand upon
...to judge

The walk
...for joy
...for heartache
...for right or for wrong
My duty is set 
Cannot turn my back
...on destiny
...she has gifted me

On the pillar
I now stand
...to offer praise
For those who honor our tribe
Bring forth courage 
...gifts of delight
...a new height of rank
...pride for their family

For those who disgrace
...those who streak of yellow
My judgment 
...is swift and harsh
As is the others 
...who stand beside me
Pillars filled with wisdom

The five working in tandem
Deciding
...the fate of the one being judged
...hard labor
...endless torture
Or the most merciful
...deaths swift blade
…to avoid the shame

I was chosen
By the powers of great height
For my heart is a balance
...see past my personal feelings
...pushed aside
See only the deeds done
...deeds are what remain 
...the judgment to be handed
Balanced

Poem and Artwork © 2022 “I see… what others refuse to see. I am… what others refuse to be” Lady Kate Phillips