Bad News
By
Bill Cottringer

Bad news at the end of a fuse,
No parole this time either,
Two to five more years,
To add to his fears—
Alone in this tiny cell,
Away from family, friends,
And all that freedom brings.
Hasn’t he done enough time
For one thoughtless crime?
The parole board said no,
Despite a low-risk profile,
Along with others say-so;
Good education.
No misconduct,
Rehabilitated,
Sound release plan,
And continued support.
As a friend said though,
Past choices are done,
And can’t be undone,
Only one choice now—
How he reacts to this bad news,
Even that may be fate though,
As his date with hope,
To help him cope,
Lifts all this heavy weight,
Off one disappointed inmate.