Barlinnie. Poem by PAUL COLVIN

If you're rich you'll take a taxi, if not you'll catch a bus
And you needn't ask the nearest stop, you'll only cause a fuss
The sights who you'll be sitting with, well, some are out on bail
Going back to a place they know so well, to see their mates who've failed.
Hogganfield's a landmark, where the monster pike abound
But there are other monsters closer still, if you only turn around.
It's Bleak House on a massive scale, like a castle for the dead
Imposing, looming, staring down to fill you full of dread.
No character, no feeling, an evil looking place
Dull and overpowering, not a house you would embrace.
The lonely path up to its gates, a somber eerie walk
Yet to some it's like a second home whilst other gape and gawk.
Trembling with each footstep, their stomachs start to churn
And the guy who walks beside you gives out a toothless gurn.
A Black Maria passes with a prisoner locked on board
Cuffed and chained they'll add him to the already swelling hoard
And still the gurner smiles cos he knows you're scared to death
And as you near the prison gates, you try to catch your breath
Control yourself, don't look a fool, make sure your words are clear
But the burly screw in black steps up to double up your fears
A truncheon for the world to see with a face that's knocked down doors
A brute whose hands are more akin to walking on all fours.
Then the gurner brushes past you and turns around to say
Your first time but not the last, you'll love it in Barlinnie!

Paul Colvin.