Mother's Day in Prison

What supports our prison system? A poem for Mother's Day.

Our prison system is a large industry and like all for profit and nonprofit ventures is well staffed with lobbyists.  They keep it going.  What purpose are we serving?  Other countries commit far fewer of their people to prisons.  Surely, we are not that more lawless, nor are their streets crime ridden.  How did we arrive at this wrong and how do we change the system?  Personally, I believe it is part of what many call “systemic racism.”  You may have your own explanations.  I would like to hear them. 

As this is Mother’s Day weekend, I would like to dedicate the following poem to all mothers whose sons and daughters are sadly lost to them, in prison.

In Prison

captured, judged and caged

where strangers fight each other

for scraps of safety

...waiting for letters that do not come,

days slowly passing

and no one day more than another 

life's briefness counted away

like water lost from thirst 

JHB 2020