Death Row

[Presence]

Death Row

On death row
Where the cells are grey
You sit alone
Awaiting the day.
Dawn arises
Through the iron bars
The door unlocks
And there are the guards.
Each grab a wrist
And they pull you up
Making you know
How bad you've ****ed up.
You walk with haste
While parading through
The others watch
Studying your moves.
Guards behind you
And death ahead
You walk and think
About things not said.
You leave the block
And they lock the gates
You're lead away
From shouting inmates.
Silence circles
Around your faint head
Your soul stone cold
Is already dead.
Into a room
With a wired chair
That is your throne
Awaiting there.
A prayer is said
And you take your place
Your heart beating
From fear on your face.
Watching the switch
And the hand upon
Scared beyond life
Your life is now gone.

[iblieve]

Some crimes might deserve this retribution, but I could never be the one to make that judgement or the one to throw the switch. This was well written and carries us to the dark climax with a nice even flow, like electricity through the wires, until it explodes in the brain. iblieve

[Presence]

Until this point I had never viewed this poem as being connected to anything other than the emotional coldness I have experienced. I have not really considered the crime and retributional aspects related to this piece, merely because I couldn't see that they were there. Thanks for making that connection for me and displaying a different light on the poem. Presence

[Dandylion]

I saw a dark hopelessness about this, outside of a jail cell. This could so easily translate into my own life though I have never been in a physical cage...excellent poem:)~Dandy

[iblieve]

I guess the reason I read this as a straight comment on the death penalty and as a natural death by elctocution is I have known the confines of jail and seen people make that final walk and you described it perfectly. We interpret things from our experiences and I have experienced both and on both levels this is an amazingly descriptive poem, I applaud you on both levels. iblieve

[Soul Tribunal]

A haunting picture of what one would go through on that walk.....

Dennis

[Presence]

I think it can also be representative of a hard life in general; how we live and walk through life, feeling the pain before we die. It's not the most cheery thought, but I have habits of slipping into this sort of morbidity. Presence

[Sierra]

Very well written, Presence, and leaves one with a lot to think about and ponder.

Peace,

Sierra

[Presence]

Thank you for your kind comments. Presence

[strawberygashes]

I agree with iblieve. Very good write.

~morgan

[Presence]

Thank you, this is about as good as my poetry gets (unfortunately), so I'm glad I've made some sort of impact. Presence

[DarkestDoor]

great piece! very powerful. the last few lines really struck me.

[Presence]

Thanks. I'm glad you thought it was good. Presence