The mark of the claw

A question of judgement decided in haste
A case of malfunction an error of taste
A moment of madness occasioned by stress
A classic misjudgment a God-awful mess

The moment of panic preceding the crash
The sickening terror the defeating smash
A loud wail of sirens descend on the scene
The camera dissolves a crescendo of screams

The memory's imprinted like some dreadful sore
The fearful reminder: the mark of the claw

A question of judgement concerned in the case
The method of access regarding the place
The possible motive the absence of blood
the theories unanswered regarding the thud

The outcome was certain the jury was hung
Their verdict resolved by ruling of thumb
The judgement was mercy: they tendered the plea
The judge raised his hand and the prisoner was free