by Jeff Vidrine

Created on: June 28, 2008

The Walk

The facade presents a stoic exterior.
Officiousness imprinted in the bricks and imposing entry edifice.
Institutional architecture, rising in front,
as one walks the walk.

I go voluntarily; many others do not.
Through sally ports, clanging automatic heavy metal grills.
Then, a hush; contrasting quiet to the cacophony of clanging
down the corridors of convicts.

In a short walk, one leaves a world of unimpeded movement
and open possibilities. Joining the throngs of the misused and users,
liars and thieves; Addicts all...
Addicted to power, violence, drugs. CONVICTED.

Greeting from the gatekeeper and the keeper of the keys.
Everyday, unspoken, the same question, "Will I be their prey today?"
Safety requires it, sanity precludes it.
And so, to endure, I pray today.

Fear shown is a loss of control, a giving away of oneself.
Compassion, caring, freely given is a gaining of control-
the reason to be here.
In a short walk, I can choose to make a difference,
to give this walk meaning and significance.

For the inmates, their daily walk:
Razor wire, M16's, pepper gas and riot batons.
Shanks, hooch, shakedown, lock down.
Death row. A short walk.

Learn more about this author, Jeff Vidrine.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.