Ellen Gwaltney Bales Poet Rhyme

I Am a Prisoner Here

I am a prisoner here,
Though I have no bars to contain me,
No chains to restrain me,
Nor any crime to detain me.
My only offense is being old,
A fact that frankly
Leaves me cold.
They say these years 
Are golden,
But it isn’t so.
How do I know?
You ask, perplexed.
I just do, I answer,
Feeling slightly vexed.
And yet, and yet . . .
Oh let me out,
Let me out, I say!
Out of this prison, 
If just for a day.
I’ll be good, I promise I will.
I’ll follow the rules.
I do know the drill!
It may sound absurd
But I give you my word.
I truly have done my time.
Sometimes I wonder if
Anything’s left
But time.

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Unseeking Seeker February 8, 2023 at 7:31 AM Body decays but heart is young ~ conjuring songs as yet unsung Ellen Gwaltney Bales February 17, 2023 at 3:12 PM Love your comments--Thanks!

J. Summers February 7, 2023 at 4:32 PM I like this a lot, it is so relatable. Your opening 4 lines are solid and made a great lead in for the rest of poem. John Ellen Gwaltney Bales February 17, 2023 at 3:12 PM Thank you, John for your inspiring comments!