~ by Lawrence “Mack” Hall
But it’s not a prison; it’s a unit
(Euphemisms make everything all better)
The morning sun rising above the fog
Sparkles merrily on bright razor wire
A barefoot little girl dances and sings
She has already been wanded and searched
Her princess shoes examined for contraband
She’ll put them back on after Mommy’s turn
She gets to see her daddy again this week
And that is why she is dancing in prison
[Author’s Note: Please understand that prison staff are not Disney baddies; adults sometimes hide drugs and other contraband in their children’s clothing.]