The real that is lost in language

One thing more, one thing
for consideration, for view
as the witness dismounts
and the witness takes a pew
and removes the stand from thought.

One thing more, one thing
the judge all-purpled
in truth and glory
in tooth and story
where the dentals fight bilabials
and plosives simmer down.

One thing more, one thing
the prosecutor asks the court
for a picture of the guilty
good sport! good sport! defence lawyers cry
as the court artist holds up emptiness
and the stenographer begins to cry.