Whats A Prisoner to Do?


What's a prisoner to do when justice fails
and the innocent is escorted off to jail?

What's a prisoner to do once stigmatized,
caged and abandoned and ostracized?

What's a prisoner to do there's no one to trust;
the system fails and the outcome unjust?

What's a prisoner to do when family decide
the punishment is warranted and justified?

What's a prisoner to do while confined in a cell;
the perpetrator's free and faring quite well?

What's a prisoner to do once his reputation is dead
and his life has been ruined because of what someone said?

What's a prisoner to do when he's not believed,
though he's telling the truth, he's thought to deceive?

What's a prisoner to do as he sits all alone,
no one seems to care; former friends all gone?

What's a prisoner to do sitting lost and idle
and most of one's thoughts become suicidal?

What's a prisoner to do when freedom's taken away
and the will to live diminishes each day?

What's a prisoner to do when hedged in by strife;
with no escape possible; no chance for a new life?

What's a prisoner to do when he can no longer see
the beauty of the sky or the waves of the sea?

What's a prisoner to do when the sun he can't feel,
nor the breeze of spring because his fate is sealed?

What's a prisoner to do when doomed to despair
but still praying to escape the electric chair?

Tell me, what's a prisoner to do?

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, is expected to be available in July.

You are welcome to visit AMEN Ministries: Your Souls' service Station for spiritual refreshing, soul edification or to browse our newly expanded mini shopping mall. http://www.clergyservices4u.org.

Blessings to all!


MORE RESOURCES:

findingDulcinea

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Poetry reading to honor Paul Cuffe
SouthCoastToday.com, MA - 9 hours ago
To mark the 250th anniversary of his birth, there will be a poetry reading in the "Ocean Voices" series, 7 pm Jan. 13, at New Bedford's Ocean Explorium. ...
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FREE AND CHEAP / Memorial poetry reading for John Stone
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA - 13 hours ago
A free poetry reading at Callanwolde will celebrate the life and work of John Stone, an Atlanta physician well-known for achieving balance between science ...


Tucson weekend: Wooden Ball, Craig Ferguson, poetry slam and reggae
Arizona Daily Star, AZ - 1 hour ago
Spoken-word competitors will step to the mic at 7 pm Saturday for Ocotillo Poetry Slam’s “The Coronation Slam.” Featuring JW Baz and hosted by reigning slam ...


Pelham Library Announces Political Poetry Prize Contest
Westchester.com, NY - 10 hours ago
Pelham, NY - The James J. Nicholson Political Poetry Prize enters its second year with a new judge and an expanded contest. There will be three competitions ...


Edmundson's January Term Class Offers the Gift of Poetry
University of Virginia, VA - 10 hours ago
January 9, 2009 — It takes only seven days to begin to learn to read poetry well, said University of Virginia English professor Mark Edmundson. ...


Students sought for poetry contest
Statesman Journal, OR - 4 hours ago
SALEM — Students 5 to 18 years old may enter Mission Mill Museum's fifth annual Victorian Valentine's Day Poetry Contest, part of the museum's celebration ...


New York Daily News

Gloomy Poetry: Governor does his best with a disheartening message
The Post-Standard - Syracuse.com, NY - Jan 8, 2009
David Paterson tried to stir them Wednesday with poetry and calls for shared sacrifice. At the start of his meticulously memorized, hour-long speech, ...
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KTRU pick of the week: Poetry on Record: 98 Poets Read Their Work
The Rice Thresher, TX - 14 hours ago
Poetry on Record features a diverse collection of poetry on four discs chock full of readings by the poets themselves. The poetry ranges from incomplete ...


Verse & Harmony: An Evening of Open Mic Poetry & Music
Newspaper Tree, TX - 10 hours ago
Bring your poetry, songs, music instruments (with 1/4" cord if applicable), friends and good karma. A PA is provided. ...

Poetry - Google News

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