Nothing prepares you
For the loss of freedom.
Months
Or even years
With no appeal.
And it's true what they say
That first night
Feels like hell inside.
Separated from the rest of the world
By barbed wire.
Be careful what you do
Be careful what you say
Each sentence
Seems impossible at first
And even though
You learn to adjust
It's still humiliating.
All that keeps you going
Through the days of pain
And the nights of despair
Is dreaming of that wonderful moment
When you can finally smile again
With straight teeth.