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May 22, 1856

Michael Ceraolo

The first blow of the Civil War
was struck today in the Senate chamber,
followed by uncounted others
(perhaps as many as thirty)
Preston Brooks of South Carolina
caned Charles Sumner of Massachusetts
into unconsciousness
for ‘libel’ in a speech of Sumner’s,
allegedly
acting according to a code of honor

But
there is no honor in being a liar,
as Brooks was

There is no honor in cowardly attacking
a sitting man, as Brooks did

There is no honor
in needing to fortify yourself with drink
in order to act ‘honorably’,
as Brooks did

There is no honor in being a dupe,
being egged on by a third party
(Laurence Keitt) not daring enough
to commit the assault himself

There was no honor in the prosecution
of Brooks’ admitted crime by yet
another egregious member of the Key family

And there was no honor in the judge’s decision:
no jail time, merely a fine

Postscript: early February 1858

Keitt would get his chance today,
but showing his lack of intellect
he attacked someone who was ready for him,
and he got floored with one punch

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