We’re all on Death Row,
but we are free to do
what we want.
I’ve never been on death row
and don’t expect to be
or have to contemplate
my pending death, fantasize
how I would feel on my last day,
worry about stays of execution,
contemplate the nauseous
last special meal they glorify.
Just an average man,
not likely to hurt anyone
more than any other guy,
but realize we are all
on death row the minute
we are born, no jail cell,
no crimes, just life
for as long as we live it.
Eventually, we are sitting
on that row, waiting
for our demise after
being free for so long,
with no bars, travel anywhere,
get married, have kids,
love, hate, do good,
avoid evil, appear
to be free, even though
we know there will be
a last meal, perhaps ENSURE,
so we have a choice to live
like we are in prison or not
the only row for us
our garden, which
we can still plant while
the walls are closing in.
Originally published in Fresh Words