A Prisoner's Cry

I am sitting in my cell staring at the walls Wondering why I didn’t see the pitfalls, My Mama always told me; “my son beware” When I close my eyes her words I still hear. I thought I was the king, sitting on the blocks I got much respect as I sold my rocks, Had money in my pocket and clothes to wear I never thought I would end up sitting in here. The girls, I used to have them by the score Now that I’m here I don’t see them anymore, While the paper flowed they got their share Now I realize they didn’t really, really care. The boys in the hood they’re still living large I took the fall and I alone faced the charge, My time’s soon up, to that life I won’t return It is tough in here, my lesson I have learned. I’m treated like an animal locked in a cage Inside of me is an uncontrollable rage, The things I did I know they were wrong I think of you Mama and I become strong. The heat is unbearable, the nights are cold Prison is no place for a man to grow old, All around me I see misery and strife Being locked up in here is a waste of my life. I am counting the days until I am set free I have no friends, there is only me, I rise at dawn and I work until night When I get out I will live my life right. I miss you, Mama, and that’s the worst part I know that I must have broken your heart, All I can do now is sit and wait Until I can walk through freedom’s gate. © 2016 Donovan T. Turnquest