Inmate Six
The Toll of Inmate 6
I cocked the trigger, I dropped the hammer,
Chasing a life I thought was glamor.
But the flash of the barrel is a fleeting light,
And life has changed in the dead of night.
If only I refrained, if only I’d seen,
The hollow end of this killing machine.
I hear the distant inmates’ clamour,
As guards approach in polished armour.
Echoes ring through the concrete hall:
"Do the crime, give up your time, give up it all."
A gallows pole is now my toll,
The weight of the iron upon my soul.
The Spiritual Appeal
Last rites are read, a spiritual appeal,
But the silence of God is the only thing real.
He whispered to me in a voice like thunder:
"Shouldn't have dropped that hammer, or torn life asunder."
My response was solemn as the end drew near,
Though I told the walls I felt no fear.
But the smell of death is thick and close,
A heavy, haunting, final dose.
Prayer now departed from my guardian’s hand,
As I leave the world of the living man.
The Reaper’s Receipt
The reaper chimed in with a hollow grin:
"No more games to play, let the fire begin.
Hell is coming your way, Inmate 6,
The clock has stopped its rhythmic ticks."
The inmates shout through the bars and steel:
"Should have cut a deal for an appeal!"
But now it’s late, the walk is straight,
With my own two hands, I sealed my fate.
The rope was set, the air grew thin,
The price was paid for the original sin.
The gallows pole took a heavy bend,
And Inmate 6 met his silent end.
Comments (8)
Excellent! In such a short time you conveyed so much emotion! An effective use of words! Thank you for sharing!
Nicely done!
Shall we look again...a short phrase that captures the courage of a Mother's love.
Loved this unique style. Beautiful prose
So many tumbling emotions fighting to be first. Huga and heartsto ever forgiving. Short but so sadly bitter sweet.
This was so poignant and emotional! Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
Hearts full of grace, arms ever open, always ready to forgive & be forgiven, no matter how long it takes.
"praying yet empty" almost put me in tears, so well done