Crime and Punishment

First off, (where I come from) a hole is dug - 
just the right circumference for say, 
a murderer, or maybe a harlot 
or an alleged adulteress to stand in. 

A man may be allowed his arms and hands 
to be free, and if he is able to escape, 
he may be granted pardon from further punishment. 
But a female will be buried up to the neck.

Well, they had dug two holes with precision 
and lined them with empty oil drums, 
and while we were waiting, a tipper truck
arrived and emptied out a pyramid of broken bricks

from a nearby demolition site
so that those without sin might avail themselves
with ammunition to throw with gusto
at the hopeless sinning prisoners.

Then two small harlots, feet shackled 
and arms strapped to their side were led
from a van and carefully lifted and fitted into each hole
so that just their heads were visible.

Someone read out 'Bla bla bla...' 
for about half an hour and then men were urged
to pick up bricks and hurl them at the heads
which couldn't duck from danger.

After about quarter of an hour,
all went quiet. Someone stepped forward and said,
'This one's not dead, so another one stepped up
and with one final crack, the job was done.

Immorality is not allowed in this land and anyone 
who comes under scrutiny and is found guilty 
will be punished. Why anyone would think 
of committing wrongdoing is beyond comprehension.