Calling all poets! Corrections1’s poetry column highlights some of the inspirational, moving and funny poems authored by our readers.
This poem is by Mike Lee, a correctional lieutenant (ret.) who worked at High Desert State Prison in Susanville, California.
Email your original writing submission for consideration to editor@corrections1.com.
The Felony Abyss
Unnatural feeling
Something seems amiss
A steel door slams
I’m in the felony abyss
I dive these depths
To earn my spoils
Sentence myself
To a life in turmoil
A penance I pay
For a young life squandered
What could I have changed
I’ve often pondered
Hatred and anger
Misery and pain
Violence and danger
All decency drains
A sub-culture
Beyond all compare
Your sanity at risk
Enter if you dare
I walk this line
Protect a public ungrateful
No thanks do I get
Their writings ever hateful
The day ends,
I exit the door
A piece of myself
Left on the floor
At night when I’m home
I lie in my bed
Try to shake the demons
Loose from my head
I’ll return tomorrow
Though I know not why
‘Tis my solemn wish
To bid the abyss goodbye