The Prisoner Poem by Sandra Martyres

As the gas chamber is getting readied
The prisoner’s blood pressure cannot be steadied
Although the Supreme Court judgment is still awaited
The wardens are sure that this inmate’s future is slated
He will get what he deserves - capital punishment
They set about preparing him up to meet his end
They tell him about last wishes the normal court trend
He appears repentant and still hopeful
He even claims that given a chance
He will mend his ways, sever his ties with the underworld
He will don the mantle of a good citizen
And will honestly complete an additional term in prison
When released he will work for social upliftment
Of the underprivileged members of society
For the prison wardens his promises are
Merely prevarications as he just wants his freedom
So that he can go back to exactly from where he has come
Only this time he will make sure he is not caught
Leaving his family destitute and distraught'
The courtroom is tense as the judgment is delivered
The prisoner looking wan just shook and shivered
As he learns that he has been awarded the death penalty
An order delivered by the judge with an air of finality
And no further appeals would be allowed
So with his head lowered he enters the gas chamber
He will not be heard of again, no one will mourn his death