Bars and Shackles

stripes fall upon my skin
as the sun rises
a tear slips free
staining the pillow
crisp whiteness surrounds me
and soft footfalls
echo through darkening chambers
within my soul
if i could summon the strength
to raise my fickle hand
i would wipe away the wetness
undo the stitching
that holds the world in thrall
and fade away with the night
but the bondsman has come
rancid breathed spectre
floating across the emptiness
betwixt floor and ceiling
to give his loving caress
to my ankles and forearms
sometime between dinner and sleep
mesh filled glass
filters morning light
onto my glazed pupils
bars and shackles
embrace my body
keeping me alive
for yet another day