Prison Guard

Up and down I trace;

row after row of cells.

I go slowly, this is no race;

a march to the prison bells.

Their mantra is as usual,

“I didn’t do it!” “I’m innocent!”

after causing someone’s funeral.

Here they'll stay 'til time's spent.

More often than not comes

the threat of their revenge,

but the fear long since numbs;

I ignore their promised avenge.

I whistle a tune or hum a song

up and down the rows of cage.

I wander around till I come along

my favorite prison sage.

He was here before even I,

who have worked my life away.

I’ll be honest, I will not lie,

I’ve listened to what he had to say.

His words are soft, kind, and sure;

offering advice or a tale.

I’ve no idea what he’s in here for,

but he’s most noble in this jail.