so far they can’t imprison you for what you think

then again you may already be shackled by your own beliefs

a dream:

as i peer through the bars i see keys hanging on a nail just outside the cell

springing to my feet the first steps send me falling to the floor/ first things first, find the key to the shackles

i take measured steps and reach for the keys/returning to my bunk/i try the ones that look like they would fit only to open them with the one i thought would never work

the shackles are off/ no sign of the keys/ suddenly the door swings open

amazed i was struck with the notion that my perceptions were probably responsible for other incarcerations

a voice that came somehow from me said “now you are free to go”

i walked from the cell and the door slammed shut/ i see the keys back on the hook

maybe i grew today/sometimes i wish i could place my back against the wall and mark it, then check to see

who needs society, when i constantly condemn myself