What Prison Feels Like

hands tied — behind my back,

swinging loose, but purposeless

 

my footfalls are hamster wheels,

same tread ground, around and around

 

nowhere.

 

like Hades, no trees,

only bare bones and screams

no roses, no moon, no suns

 

solitary.

 

my soul – detached from humanity

it turns, it burns

Viktor Frankl, no meaning.

without substance, no purpose

 

foggy, abstract,

darkness pervades

save for gray walls and steel

 

Life is a blur; no dates, no meaningful moments

bland, like bread, like red rivulets

burning a hole in the head of the soul

 

mind-numbing monotony,

malnourished group hink, recycled air,

oppressive air

 

suffocating

 

is what prison feels like.

 

Dortell Williams is pursuing a BA in communications. He has dedicated his life toward mentoring youth and helping survivors of crime. You may find other works of his via Google search. He appreciates feedback from his readers and invites outside assistance. He may be reached indirectly at Dortell Williams, H-45771/A5-204, P.O. Box 4430, Lancaster, CA 93539