Many thanks to everyone who read and sent along kind words for Thanks for the Hochstetter Memories. Snooky suggested this morning that I try writing something similar for her fanfic court, and, well, you know how little idea seedlings will sprout. Here's a sampling of a day in court.

Twas the twilight of never, and all through my home,

Not a being was stirring, just my urge to roam.

The coffee was boiling, my computer was humming,

Soon my imagination was off and running.

My story was solid, the content violent,

Ending with Papa Bear permanently silent.

The reviews were rave, my pleasure great,

How soon would I realize too little, too late.

When out on my doorstep arose such a racket,

I leapt from my laptop and put on a jacket.

"What's that banging about?" I yelled with vigor.

"I have neighbours around who are quick on a trigger!"

A little man with a Western Union cap,

Handed me a telegram and proceeded to flap.

"You've been called to fanfic court to present your case,

For the beating you inflicted on Hogan's face!"

Before I knew quite what to say;

I arrived in a courtroom, the trial underway.

I faced down Riker, who proceeded to rant.

"The time has come for you to recant.

"You shot Papa Bear, you drown him with glee,

He wanted to scream when you wouldn't let him see.

Now the time's come, and don't put the truth on the shelf,

What have you got to say for yourself?"

I argued, I fussed, I begged and pleaded.

"I was only giving the public what it needed.

A story true but fair, and though you don't approve.

I'd gladly repeat every decision and move!"

The heroes in the gallery booed and jeered,

As my defence, Perry Mason quickly appeared.

"Now author, tell me it's true.

You didn't think you'd hurt anyone did you?"

I bawled, feeling hopeless and cold,

Agreeing to whatever Perry Mason had told.

The other authors looked morose, the heroes dear,

I can't stand it, I thought, I have to get out of here.

The crowd roared as I started to run,

Judge Stone shouted, "Hey, we're not quite done!"

"Oh, yes we are," I called back.

"I'm leaving because you're all quite whacked."

The bailiffs closed in, I was almost caught,

When I awoke to see a strobing dot.

My computer woke too, and I blinked at the glare,

What did I do to cause this nightmare?

I looked at the screen and realized I was sane,

I'd been reading damn Snooky's fanfic court again.

"Oh well," I sighed, "I'm none the worse for wear,

But all the same I'll take down 'Hogan Dies on a Dare.'"

I shook my head as the story disappeared.

How did I post this crap without getting seared?

It's terrible, it's overdone, it's lame.

What made me think these characters were nothing but names?

I decided then and there, I would for all time.

Make sure I'd treat all characters like a family of mine,

Thanks to you, Snooky, I've seen the light.

Good day to you all, and watch out for deliveries at night!