Every hour seemed like a day,
as on his wooden bunk he lay.
He marked each day on the grey cell wall,
a futile gesture after all.
He knew he’d never rest content,
till he proved that he was innocent.
Twenty long years dragged on so slow,
while he anguished on Iowa’s death row.
“Living” ‘neath death’s ever imminent threat,
to pay to society his so unearned debt.
Grasping at every futile chance to hope,
to leave behind death’s slippery slope.
Suicide must have crossed his mind,
as he faced his monotonous daily grind.
But then his thoughts would inevitably roam,
to his family and friends he’d long left at home.
Then at year twenty one the die was cast,
a ray of hope emerged at last.
Provided he abandoned his innocent plea,
and signed for manslaughter he could go free.
What passed for “justice”had been done,
a so called “pardon”had been won.
Author notes
JUDMC. Option no.16 (Prisoner)
A contest entry
- Speak Up! I Wanna Read Passion In Your Convictions by karma-n-peace.
925 points, ended January 1, 18 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Don't show your anger and you won't feel it by shiratikva.
700 points, ended June 1, 8 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Sights & Sounds of Silence---Prompt & Options Contest PLUS Word bank (900 POINTS) by liquidmindforever.
1200 points, ended June 20, 15 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - prewrite contest - round 1 by serenity silvermoon.
929 points, ended October 12, 461 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Are we the waiting? by just sam.
400 points, ends December 4, 31 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Comments
1 - 25 of 25
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Wow
I hate to be unoriginal but that's the only clear thought I have right now. This is a wonderfully thought provoking piece that addresses the prompt perfectly. Thankyou so much for entering
xx Sam -
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just sam
Many thanks for your kind comment on "Death Row" Sam so glad you like it
Keep Writing and fighting......Best Wishes......George.....
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Wow
you've captured the mindset of a prisoner so well who is confined within walls awaiting freedom he deserves knowing he's paying for somebody else crime... very well penned indeed... good luck in the contest... take care Minoo
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Wonderful story, rhyme and flow!
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this was a great read...flowed beautifully. there wasn't that feeling of desperation, but more acceptance. Good work, I enjoyed.
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Heh, that doesn't seem very sad to me.
Very well written. Nice to read.
I'm glad it ended that way.
Thanks for entering.
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This is a great poem and I loved the idea that is based on a true story. Rhyming is very good.
My favorite lines are:
"Grasping at every futile chance to hope,
to leave behind death’s slippery slope."
I found it very thought out and powerful.
Thank you for entering, good luck! -
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shiratikva
Manmy Thanks for you're kind comments on "Death Row" so glad you liked it.Best Wishes...George...
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A very moving poetic version of true events.
When I think of death row this is who I think of, all the trauma in this mans life, so sad.
The state believes they righted a wrong when in all actualality all they did was to cover their rear ends so they could not be held liable for stealing the future of good man. -
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knickerdew
Many thanks for your kind comments on "Death Row" and "Justice" very much appreciated
Glad you liked them. Best Wishes George....... -
knickerdew
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The pain, The irony of a silent rage ... Very nice write.. Thanks for sharing..
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Nice story telling style. The poetry form you used was not quite spoken word though. Other than that, it was well written.
Good luck in the contest -
I have been struggling with the death penalty for a long time. I don't have anything against the penalty itself it's the manner. They are more humane to animals. Of course some of the victims did not get treated with gentleness either...nice write because it causes us to think. thank you for entering
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I am sorry to say that your poem did not survive the judging of Level Four: Presentation/Grammar
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Beautiful flow....I love the end lines especially - that hint of sarcasm really rounds out your poem well.
Thanks for sharing this,
Luck. -
A very clever piece on a very heated issue. Flawless flow, raw emotion, and bold character. Your fast pace mirrors the captive's inner turmoil. Very nicely done!
Best of luck and thanks for entering!
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TheDemonEve
Many thanks for your kind comments on "Death Row"
they are very much appreciated.Best Wishes and kindest regards George ++++ -
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Many thanks for giving me such a stunning piece to read. You are a wonderful writer and your work is also appreciated. =]
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This is good, very well written and i like the story of it. Very hard hitting =] Thanks for entering the contest. Leila x
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This is an amazing story. Is it true/ It sure has the ring of truth to it. Your entire piece is so vivid, I felt like I was serving time with him.
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daviscth
Yes this a true story love, glad you like it
thanks again and Best Wishes George ++++
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rowan moon
so glad you liked my "brutal" poem you filled in between the lines very nicely thanks!.I must read some of your work -
You are such a great writer This is very nice
REDWINGSPIRIT
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Brutal poem. you hit home, i could almost smell the stale piss air ..see the stark gray walls ..taste the dust and the dirt floating past by the light of a small window as he drew in an agonizing breath
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