Long Placesnight Poems

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 *