As I walk my pod
securing all door
protecting the public
and myself
I contemplate
what the inmates
dream about
Lock in
and yet to have
their day in court
As the
NIGHT OFFICER
I wonder if they
regret
Are they
wrongly accused
I shine my light
in every cell
on my tour
I record my
actions to assure
maximum safety
I'm charged to oversee
the worst of the worst
in this place
I would never wish
to be on the other side
of that steel door
a 4X8 concrete box
steel bunk with an
ultra thin mattress and
no pillow
no freedom
no life.