Somewhere

By James Williams

Somewhere in a distant star, Cities of Cocaigne there are, Paradises of the Bar. Somewhere 'neath another sun Counsel cease to see the fun Lurking in a judge's pun. Somewhere courts are fair to see, Beauty joins utility, Ushers answer courteously. Somewhere there are bailiwicks Which for dock defences fix Nothing under three-five-six. Somewhere rises struggle sore For revisorships no more, Every shire has half a score. Somewhere educated thought Scientifically taught Cross-examines as it ought. Somewhere judgments are obeyed, Executions are not stayed, Fees are almost always paid. Somewhere County Councils press Banquets on the circuit mess, Fleshpots in the wilderness. Somewhere at Assizes grow Prosecutions row on row, Every man has six or so. Somewhere, eager but for right, Court and counsel cease to cite Pointless cases recondite. Somewhere headnotes give the ground Whereupon the judges found Judgments generally sound. Somewhere juries use their sense, Basing on the evidence Verdicts of intelligence. Somewhere rich embroideries Woven cunningly of lies Part in twain at truth's clear eyes. Somewhere justice grows from wrong, Till the right that suffered long Sings at last its triumph song. Somewhere--even in a place Peopled by a perfect race-- One side holds a losing case. Somewhere since the world began Heaven hath made an honest man, Somewhere in Aldebaran.