Pay The Price Poem by Frederick Nellist

Four prison walls surround you my son
How did this happen to one so young
You commit a crime you pay the price
We tried to help but you reject advice.

You say you're sorry, life not fair
Blaming the judge who sent you there
Have strength my son, a year to face
Then come on home to your own space.

A mistake made, the company you kept
We tried to warn you your mother wept
A promising boy doing well at school
Studied hard and never broke a rule.

We all love you son, you know we care
Serve your time we'll always be there
I will not preach, a lesson well spent
You will remember this year you lent.

Take a new look at life, plan ahead
With our support a new path to tread
I know how you feel I also did wrong
My dear old dad sang me the same song.