the invisible line

The doors to Shelton were open,

with squinted eyes a glimpse to the sunshine bright outside, 

offering freedom within the confines of the invisible line.

To walk along the perfect path of gravel, raked and ordered, clean and level, 

it winds around the floral scented gardens and the neatly manicured lawns,

all the senses take in this wonder that helps to relax and quiet the mind, 

but stay on the path and it will only take you within the confines of the invisible line.

The grounds also hold a splendor of tall trees,

with a million hues of green in the canopy of summer that only hides the truth of winter,

bared all the branches are seen to be reaching high towards the sky,

as if they too were trapped within the confines of the invisible line.

Standing at the very edge,

just one step to freedom and a life outside, 

but all there is chaos, people are rushing at a pace of urgency to nowhere, 

traffic grows from dusk to dawn and moves as in a race, 

then just as suddenly grinds to a halt at red... 

amber..

green.

go get back into the race.

I take a step back within the confines of the invisible line.

The doctor’s talk of what it is that keeps one in this place, 

the victim of the evil, dark secret that brought shame into this life,

and keep me trapped within the confines of the invisible line.