exculpatory

she searched and scrutinized and sweated
every moment/detail/alibi/lie
mining for the exculpatory
something/anything
that might come to light
and save her

the world would see
what was convenient/easy/lazy
and not what she knew
in her heart to be true

no ill intent there harboured
just malcontent with her lot
and in bettering herself
she'd worsened her chances

called out
all the names
the ages had handed down
for women
with thoughts
"above their station"
harlot
witch
bitch
the world built a niche
and shoved you in it
and when you didn't fit...
she closed her eyes
and prayed, "acquit"