My blank sonnet “Appeal” has been selected as the Laureates’ Choice winner in the 2021 Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest, which is affiliated with the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Minnesota. I extend sincerest gratitude to the contest judges and administrators.

“Appeal”

They lead me to the dock. The courtroom’s packed.
They really love me. Who draws crowds like this?
I love it when they look. And you’re here too.
They think you know me after all these years,
But you don’t know a thing. I’m the black hole
At the center of our galaxy. Stars eddy
And disappear as if into a drain.
I’m your very own Event Horizon.
Nothing you ever understood made sense
Again. All rise. It’s so familiar now.
The judge looks bored. They always do. I know.
And you look tired. I’ve got you. You can’t stop
Thinking of me. And when the time arrives
To make my plea, you know what it will be.