what's it like to be in prison

i wonder from
afar
what its like
to be in prison

to have walls
blocking
out the sunlight
warmth upon my face;
no joys and pains of relationships

to see wind
blowing
a woman's hair
and kissing her face
with passion and depth of love

to hear news
announcing
an event unfolding
with drama and wonder
and how it affects and impresses


i know a man in prison
alone
in his barred room
leaving when and how he's told
surrounded by grey and plain and drab

i wonder if the man would be
encouraged
if I paid him a visit
maybe played a game of chess
or checkers or cards; or maybe not

i've heard how we are
blessed
if we move to our unknown
and bring gentle words of care
and leave our security, and see him in prison

i don' think i'll overcome
anxiety
that i would change
the ways things are and go
since I see that i am the man in prison