State and Main

1.

Lou, an investigator in our office
likable guy, 
he's standing at the intersection 
of State and Main

waiting for the light,
when the Chief Justice
Hizzoner himself,
thinly disguised in street clothes,

steps to the curb
regards the empty crossroads
of State and Main
notes the lingering red and crosses.

2.

Unbelievable! Something,
Lou told me, 
--striking his black fist
on a government-green table--

he had never done
and would never do.
Against the red
you can get in trouble.

3.

The Chief looks back across State
almost surprised, amused,
that general and special deterrence
(the caselaw justification

for severely punishing
petty offenders)
actually works 
in some instances.