Forgotten

A young man was arrested And was locked up in a cell. He never thought his life would turn Into a living hell. The San Diego D.E.A. Forgot that he was there. For four days in a barren cell, He suffered in despair. He had no food or water Nor a toilet or a sink. His urine was the only choice When he was forced to drink. His hands were cuffed behind his back But still he kicked and screamed. He contemplated suicide, The only choice, it seemed. When agents found him, four days late, And saw his sorry shape, They took him to the hospital, His overdue “escape.” Though he’ll survive, his lawyers say They plan to file a suit. I hope somebody’s found at fault And that they’ll prosecute. This level of incompetence Is truly monumental. The D.E.A.’s response was It was simply “accidental.” The callousness of that remark Proves they don’t have a clue; For nightmares such as this, A simple “sorry” just won’t do.