Given the metal detectors, long and rushed lines,
unfamiliar surroundings, and general intimidation
of a big city court house for a country boy,
I count my blesings that the casualties were only three:
One steel fork as weapon I did not guess
Knowing a pencil can serve as shive;
One Fisher bullet space pen gift;
Respect for politicians who lack the courage
To face the color gray.

Bill Grace

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/casualties-of-civic-duty/