IN THE PRISON

A poem

IN THE PRISON

 

In the prison I stand

Looking out at prisoners in the cells

They enjoy boredom

Not knowing that a prison is boring

 

In the prison I stand

Hating my imprisonment

Wondering how they live

Not knowing that this is a prison

 

In the prison I stand

Asking the jailor about the crime

That brought me here

Not knowing that he is answerless.

 

In the prison I stand

Tired of ennui which they celebrate

As if it is a festival of harvest

Not knowing that they are decaying

 

In the prison I stand

Longing for a jail-mate

Who can recognize the prison he is in

Not knowing that all are lovers of shackles.

 

In the prison I stand

Knowing that prisons are not

Made only for criminals and mad

Not knowing it is for the sanest of all too.

In the prison

I read sing and sleep

I dream create and meditate

Knowing all these are in vain…

 

In the prison

I learn to forget the walls..

To usher in the so called happiness

Knowing that I am lying to my self.

 

In the prison

I am given daily lessons

On how to suppress my imprisonment

Knowing always that it is impossible.

 

In the prison I split myself into two

One me, is in prison, denied of freedom.

Above it a me who learned to neglect

The truth that I am a prisoner.

 

 

Reviews

[Bhavya Kaushik]

The was nice, the concept was executed beautifully here.
It was a very thoughtful read!

[Rick Puetter]

Dear JENY,

Prison indeed. We are all in prison in so many ways, and how easily we learn to neglect this. I think most never even see the prison walls and bars.

Greaatly enjoyed.

Best regards,

Rick

[Daniel Gardner]

Prison is not a good place at all. It is amazing how some love it there. Nice poem and flowed great to me.

[James Watts]

A very nice write and the point well conveyed. Nice work.

[Holly O'Brien]

pretty good indeed...this has very deep meaning to it and can be summarized in a lot of different ways....which is a really good thing...love the message!!

[The Analog Kid]

I like the way a "prison" can be found in so many forms. Repitition in the first lines of the stanzas works well. The bold black font contrasts the white background and reminds me of a jail "jumpsuit."

[A.Lee]

I really like the last stanza. I also like the way it transitioned from not knowing, not knowing, and still not knowing, to knowing and coming to that realization. Nice work.

[RDOriginal]

For me I read the prison as being life itself. From the moment we are born our existence is bound by rules and norms. Even acts of rebellion or deliberate attempts to escape and be different can never result in freedom as even that has tight definitions depending on who, what and when. I love the helpless imagery of the narrator being aware of all this control but being powerless to make change or even raise awareness amongst the other prisoners. Thinking along these lines I'd certainly agree that everything is in life in the final reckoning is in vain.

[Livenrite]

WOW! Very well put together. You don't need to be behind physical bars to be in prison...Thanks for sharing:)

[Huggy Bear]

Powerful piece that I can relate with:)