The Prisoner
She looks through the bars,
her intelligence
dulled by repetition
of the daily chores
and cheerlessness.
Tears fall
as tortured
thoughts
of her child
growing without
her loving touch.
a glimpse now and again
never enough
as someone
else
charts her child’s
precious years.
Politicians mutter,
What can her family do
against prejudice
injustice
and perfidy
like this,
taking a woman from her
family,
from her freedom
and framing her,
mercilessly
destroying the fragile
bond, that holds
body and soul
together.
Lord, that she may be free
Amen.