I am in relationship prison.
Being told when I will have a visitor
Never knowing for sure day-to-day
Always on someone else's terms.

My voice silenced.
Not for lack of a voice but
Learned behavior that expressing my feelings lands me in isolation
So I stay quiet.

There are no romantic words
Or tenderness.
No making love just
*****, slutty, impersonal ***
To feel something. Anything.

"Good morning (prisoner)"
Is what maintains this relationship.
No other conversation
Words that are superficial and empty
Until "lights out" at the end of the day.

Resentment and anger begins to build
Innocent of whatever crime that
Landed me in this awful place
Just praying for a pardon and
A glimmer of compassion.

"It is hard to maintain a relationship in prison.
It is deeply frustrating."
I once heard a prisoner say.