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