The cuffs were clasped upon his wrists,
His arms in pain behind his back.
Engulfed by guilt, his freedom sank
Like a rock dropped in a stagnant lake.
The neighbors’ glares pierced to his soul,
His shame compelled the tears to drop.
Statements were made and guilt defined;
The judge with harsh words sealed his fate.
His mother’s pleas came to his mind:
“Change or you’re bound to die in jail.”
His life of failure now complete,
He wished his heart would cease to beat,
And that his life would end at once.
Although the bars confined his strides,
Determination fueled his drive.
He studied hard to reach his goals,
Inspired by those who cared to share.
The man who feared he’d die in jail
In cap and gown clutched his scroll.
At last the man destined to fail
Was now a graduate full of hope.