Beyond The Bars Poem by Valsa George

Beyond The Bars

Rating: 4.8


Scenes reel back casting dark shadows
Of the fated day I had to leave my home
Handcuffed and guarded by cops on either side
Despised by all as one so loathsome

I had in me, then the heart of stone
All I could think was of my own gain
Thoroughly swept by the rip - tide of illusion
I had no regard for another's pain

‘Drink life to the lees' was my credo
So I gambled to make hoards of money
Drugs and dopes gave me instant delight
Initially my days were all too sunny

But suddenly life derailed from its track
My wallet was like a leaking tank
All its contents drained out in no time
Gradually into dejection and despair, I sank

Eliminated from life by my own misdeeds
Weary of mind from stress and strife
Hate grew and hardened within me as a rock
Once I ripped my rival with a knife

Convicted and caught red handed
I ended up in this cheerless cell
Within these dank forlorn walls
I shrink like an oyster in its shell

Everything here is dusty and rusty
To get some peace as I attempt to sleep
Marauding thoughts invade my brain
Like a line of red ants, they listlessly creep

……. …….. ……… ……….

But years of confinement have changed my life
I am determined not to give up my fight
Somehow I will push and pull myself on
And will walk victorious to the world of light

Through these cold rusted prison bars
Now I look into a world that lies beyond
From dead faces longingly I cast my eyes
On all that once to me has been so very fond

I must go back to life, so sadly lost
And live for the day I will make a new start
I hope I can make it, at least have to try
And realize the dreams I still hold within my heart!

Friday, August 15, 2014
Topic(s) of this poem: Slavery
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Pradip Chattopadhyay 16 August 2014

such a thought-provoking write Valsa. unfortunately in our country prisons are still to be transformed into correctional homes. as you so powerfully portray, there's a man still not dead inside a prisoner.

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Deepak Kumar Pattanayak 16 August 2014

Circumstances make a man beast or human and after having committed crime realisation came in cell and longed to be a man of substance.......Valsa.......so profoundly portrayed......as usual great write

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Amitava Sur 16 August 2014

A portrait of refinement a rectification of life which though realized after passing through a rough terrain.... very well penning and a thought provoking one. Thanks for sharing

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Kee Thampi 16 August 2014

a morale of a lone convict and beyond his resurrection Scenes reel back casting dark shadows Of the fated day I had to leave my home Handcuffed and guarded by cops on either side Despised by all as one so loathsome I had in me, then the heart of stone All I could think was of my own gain Thoroughly swept by the rip - tide of illusion

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Tirupathi Chandrupatla 17 August 2014

But years of confinement have changed my life I am determined not to give up my fight And start a new life. Life gives a second chance to do so. Inner feelings nicely developed in the poem. Thank you.

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Patricia Grantham 25 August 2014

A life lived in pure misery and self satisfaction can be very dreadful. Even so there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. Repenting of ones ways and then seeking a better life. Released from the prison of despair to the doors of happiness. Most enjoyable.

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Yash Shinde 24 August 2014

Realizations brings peace and enlightenment..this hopeful account, first takes you to the gloomy world of sin and misery, and then finally to peace and joy of liberation....a lovely write dear Valsa!

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Daniel Brick 22 August 2014

This is a simply amazing poem. The speaker has had an impossible life of disappointment and violence but instead of sinking deeper into his negative thinking which always reasons him to the use of violence something new and wonderful has illuminated him and he sees the true path. This is a kind of secular miracle. It's obvious a big part of his problem comes from a lack of patience. Hopefully, as he experiences the happiness of his new life, he will also acquire the patience to make it last.

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Om Chawla 21 August 2014

Thought provoking narrative, very realistic in content, with a message of hope and redemption. A great write ma'am Valsa.

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Geetha Jayakumar 20 August 2014

A Thought Provoking poem from your pen. Today after being imprisoned for many years, and tough punishment he went through, he realises the worth of life, he wanted to start a new life. The person whom he chopped can it be compensated back, his families. Can be compensate back for what he had done. Can he correct it. One realises the worth of life too late. Concluding stanza is beautifully portrayed, where he regret for the loss...That really make sense for his imprisonment. Loved it from your pen...Valsa.

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