THE PRISONERS

They have never set foot
In the wide world, have not heard
Birds sing, or smelt the dawn—
Shut in their peculiar prison.

They have not strayed beyond
Their lives, placed themselves
In others’ shoes, or viewed their concerns
As they might be seen by others.

They attend to prayers and porn—
Two sides of the same coin—
They have not opened eyes
To knowledge, to saving difference.

The caution is well-taken:
Prisoners, blinking at the light,
The lack of restraint, cannot
Easily find it in themselves
To live, to welcome experience,
Or make choices of their own.