Too Much To Lose, Now I'M Behind Bars Blues

Let me tell you my story about my behind bars blues
For doing something I shouldn't, now too much to lose

It all happened quite a few years ago when I was a boy sixteen
Living on the Dublin estates, where you had to be part of the scene

Gangs became part of the culture, live here you'll see what I mean
Generation after generation, it appears to be in our genes

I close my eyes to recall, whilst a shiver runs down my spine
As I follow my steps that night, still scared of what I'll find

We, me and my gang, readily terrorised our streets
Frightened of no one we were, no matter whom we'd meet

Then came that Friday night down at the local bar and grill
A Rock Band played in the corner, Thin Lizzy, their guitars spill

Next thing all hell breaks loose, a rival gang enters en masse
No prisoners were taken, no creed, colour or class

Amidst the chaotic scenes you could hear the flick of a blade
Into flesh that was previously perfect, a member makes his grade

Scattered echoes resonate, shouting and cursing extends
Screams of fading life bellows, as another knife internally bends

Broken glass now glistens in pools of crimson red
Dishevelled clothed creatures, lie punctured close to dead

Sirens out of nowwhere wail, flashing blues descend
Another Friday night downtown, societies current trend

I stand in frenzied stare, a redded steel gripped in my hand
Me becoming one of many, that a parent had never planned

At sixteen years old I have been taken, but I see another day
There were three on that fateful night, who never came back to play

Liberty was never a word, that ever entered our thoughts
Or even the others we inflicked, whom we brought to nought

The day I stood in the dock, knowing behind bars blues were near
At sixteen years old going inside, it's now my turn to fear





* For Miranda's "Behind Bars Blues" contest *
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Wesley Avatar
June 25, 2011 at 11:31 AM
A riveting verse re: the culture today. I enjoyed
Horne Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 12:58 PM
Crikey, I didn't realise how many contest results I'd missed while co judging with Carolyn - please forgive hasty message - many congrats to you for all your recent wins : )
Brown Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Congratulations on your win in Randa's "Behind Bars Blues" contest James. Love, Carol
Hendricks Avatar
June 19, 2011 at 3:24 AM
Wow and double wow, James!! It's evident you put a lot of effort into this smooth piece. Congratulations on your placement in Miranda's contest. It's certainly a well-deserved one. :))
Devonshire Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 11:20 AM
James, substance abuse seems to be the primary cause teens land in jail. Great write here! Congratulations on your success. Love, Carolyn
Johnson Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 10:54 AM
A sad tale indeed and a sad future for that 16 year old. LCongratulations James on a great entry and win. Love, Joyce
Sweetheart Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Congrats James on your HM in the contest for this superior write and entry luv..enjoy ..
Mehta Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 10:20 AM
My congratulations on the win in the contest of miranda, james
Bloomsfield Avatar
June 8, 2011 at 9:33 PM
Ow myy what a story..i have goose bumps...i could capture the scene you've created..powerful!
Horne Avatar
June 8, 2011 at 1:14 PM
Wow, powerful write, James. I laughed at the Sherwood comment LOL
Deane Avatar
June 8, 2011 at 5:30 AM
There are no bounds to your creativity, please don't stop writing, can't wait to read more...
Fraser Avatar
June 8, 2011 at 6:38 AM
Thank you Shannon, I intend to post many more as the days, weeks, months and years pass :) smiles 4 u
Foulk Avatar
June 7, 2011 at 7:08 PM
very creative and well written. thank you for commenting on Free Apples.
Dailey Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 9:28 AM
A well done story poem. Good luck in the contest. Mike
Susan Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 8:05 AM
a well done narrative. I enjoyed the tough guy being taken down in the end, not by another person, but by fear. good luck in the contest!
Neels Avatar
June 5, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Hey there James, this has a true to life feeling to it, not sure if it is the case or not. Your amazing images brought this piece back to life. Good luck for the contest :) *hugs from a cold Cape Town*
Onclaud Avatar
June 5, 2011 at 12:35 PM
gripping in every way, james... a well-told story filled with attentive details! :) winning wishes to you! :) huggs, nette
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