If these bars could talk,
The stories they might weave
Of the young and old
Who have lost their faith
To unyielding despair,
Left to rot in a steel and concrete box.
If these bars could talk,
Would they speak of the young men who have entered,
Only to get lost in indifference,
Becoming no more than a number?
What might they say
Of the old men fading away
Inside this concrete coffin,
Awaiting only Death’s embrace,
Forgotten by family too busy to recall an old man and his fate?
If these bars could talk,
Would they offer encouragement
To those trapped
In this cold, unforgiving tomb?
Or might they tease us
With offers of forgiveness, freedom
And a second chance at life?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Jorge Garcia is a poet and currently working on his first book.  He can be contacted at:
Jorge Garcia #1372972
McConnell Unit
3001 S. Emily Drive
Beeville, TX  78102