Liber Saturni - Chapter 50

Verses

Verse 23

The Court of Last Things is now in session. Defendant: Time.

Verse 24

Charge one: theft of youth.

Verse 25

Time pleads not guilty and requests clarification regarding ownership.

Verse 26

The prosecutor produces a childhood photograph.

Verse 27

Time asks whether the child in the picture still exists.

Verse 28

Objection.

Verse 29

Sustained, unfortunately.

Verse 30

Charge two: murder of civilizations.

Verse 31

Time requests the civilizations be called as witnesses.

Verse 32

The clerk checks the hallway.

Verse 33

None are available.

Verse 34

A cat enters the courtroom and sits on the evidence.

Verse 35

The judge asks whose cat it is.

Verse 36

Time says, Eventually, mine.

Verse 37

The court recesses for existential discomfort.

Verse 38

Upon return, the prosecutor changes strategy.

Verse 39

Charge three: making everything meaningless.

Verse 40

Time laughs for the first time.

Verse 41

It says, I only make things temporary. You people supplied the rest.

Verse 42

The jury requests more coffee.

Verse 43

A jinn in seat seven whispers that immortality would make procrastination catastrophic.

Verse 44

Seat eight agrees.

Verse 45

The judge asks Time whether it regrets anything.

Verse 46

Time says regret requires a direction I do not possess.

Verse 47

Verdict: responsible for aging, acquitted of interpretation.

Verse 48

Sentence: continue until further notice.

Verse 49

The cat is awarded custody of the photograph.