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The death of Ronald Ryan
| Open Poetry #19 |
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The death of Ronald Ryan |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095
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In 1965 a bolt had come loose within the doors of criminal justice where obstinate leaders with heavy sacks between their legs wanted to show “who was boss” A fatal lottery had been played and the prize was Ryan’s life. At ten minutes to eight bodies were led down cold corridors to D block. They were tallied at the door; they were the politically invincible kind. In the final hour the clock tower struck eight Ronald Ryan stood stoically as silence fell between the short and precise motions of a sweep hand The atmosphere was cool. A faceless hangman pulled the lever Ronald Ryan was hanged. Ryan's conviction, we now know, was right; his death was wrong. But the controversy sparked by his sentence and execution brought an end to capital punishment in Australia. His life and death were a tragedy in miniature, but he achieved a far greater good than he had ever intended or dreamt. The Age Julian Burnside Ronald Ryan was hanged for the accidental killing of a warden at the Pentridge Prison (Victoria) at the time of his escape. Maree [This message has been edited by Dark Angel (03-17-2002 08:30 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Dark Angel - All Rights Reserved | |||
Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
How very sad. I just finished reading Stephen King's The Green Mile, about death row inmates. Have you read it? Although it is fiction, it holds many truths inside. Kudos to your country for eliminating the death penalty. [This message has been edited by Midnitesun (03-17-2002 03:41 AM).] |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Mmy - interesting write from you..what inspired you to write it? It's very good, though I wonder if some of the sentences in the last half are a little short... yes, a conscientious poem my dear...emjoyed.. hugs  SB |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Interesting how bad can bring about good sometimes, isn't it? An interesting piece from you, Maree.... Australia doesn't need capital punishment. They can just tie someone to a chair and make them watch Crocodile Dundee II over and over...talk about inhumane!!!  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Thank you for this insight into Australia's history, Maree...it is always good to learn from others... [This message has been edited by Sunshine (03-17-2002 07:45 AM).] |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I've always had a warm spot for non-fictional accounts - and this is a good one... Thanks for sharing it here, Maree..  |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggsssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, this is indeed so very sad, though it also delights me to see the death penalty eliminated in your country, I too bring kudos to your country for that! (kiss on cheek) This is very emotionally powerfulms weet friend, I like Balladeer's idea for punishment! LOL! We all love you so much, sweet friend, this is excellent! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Maree, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Interesting account Maree. Thanks for sharing this with us. Here in Canada we do not have the death penalty. And judging by the number of people who have been wrongly imprisoned, it's just as well. If you ever want to read something about the subject, I'd suggest the Stephen Truscott story. It's an amazing true story of a young boy wrongly accused of a nurse's murder in the 60's, by an overzealous police force and lazy detective work. He has since been freed, but if I remember correctly, he spent 15 or 20 years in jail. That is a tragedy. If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Midnitesun, Hi! Funny you should say that, I havent read it but I watched it the other night on tv, er it was like my 5th time lol, I just had to watch it again. And yes it does hold many truths. There have been talks about bringing it back 'the death penalty' Maree nods head in disbelief. sigh. Thank you for your lovely reply Hey SB, thanks for your reply dear. What inspired me? hmmm good question. For some reason I remembered my class paper about him; had another read and voila! He just popped into my head.Glad you enjoyed. Balladeer, yes it is interesting.. and I guess that was Ryan's mission without even knowing. LOL @Crocodile Dunndee, I couldnt agree more Sunshine, you're welcome and thank you for stopping by and having a read Hi Nan, glad you enjoyed and thanks so very much for stopping by and having a read. Noah, thank you for your reply and yes it is very sad. I like Balladeers suggestion as well Tracey, I don't even want to think about how many people have been wrongly accused and imprisoned. I've done a quick search on 'Stephen Truscott' didnt find much, but what I found was indeed interesting. I will though do a more thorough search. Thank you for stopping by and having a read and for the suggestion Maree [This message has been edited by Dark Angel (03-17-2002 08:50 PM).] |
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Jamie Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168Blue Heaven |
A lovely poem on what would be a hot topic in philosophy. Especially here in the USA. You really need to write more often Mmy (F) JThere is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Dark Angel, An interesting write, enjoyed. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Hi Maree..I like this different side of poetic expression from you. I've alwasys thought the death penality wrong..and this story is interesting in it's history as well as being thought filled. Good to see you posting...I agree that you need to write more! |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
maree, wow...you never cease to amaze me sweetie! this is such a powerful write. in my personal opinion i believe the death penalty is wrong as well. i believe none of us has the right to take anothers life no matter what. That should be left up to God. wonderful poem hon. i enjoyed it immensly! take care. love ya. amy "you can't stop |
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SpitFire Member Elite
since 2000-04-19
Posts 2396 |
~Thank you, for allowing me to learn from you, and for sharing the incredible way that you write. *Peace Maree. |
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