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The Prisoner Within These Walls











You've never been in there, the four walls made of concrete, stone, brick, wood, mud...
The key only meets the oustide key hole
but you too are a prisoner
how do I know?
I am too

When I look on as people suffer
I am a prisoner of false freedom
and you, when you give consent so that your earthly trappings are secure
are a prisoner too, of affluence

they sleep side by side on a cold surface, made of concrete, stone, wood, cloth, straw and metal
The sun only kisses the outside of their wall
don't turn away, you too are a prisoner
how do I know?
I am too

When I don't question the status quo
and say, 'that's how it has always been.
that's what works'
I am a prisoner of self-inflicted blindness, I don't want to see
and you, when you give consent so that your own country is blessed and prospers
are a prisoner too of national pride

affluence
security
freedom
sight
national pride
prosperity

They sleep side by side
wait for the sound of the key
the kiss of the sun
and these six things
but all you and I can do is
be prisoners too
trapped by self
and these six things

who will free them?
who will free me?
who will free you?




pix: UNODC

Comments

Acacia said…
yeah i saw that photo... unbelievable. but you're right when we don't visit don't see it we forget its happening right next door. but how to respond?
April 9, 2009 at 9:20 AM
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