The system releases its grip on the prisoner,
knowing it did nothing to prepare him for success;
and with the $200 gate money,
he’s supposed to do his best?
The prisoner releases himself from psychological confinement,
determined to succeed,
despite the lack of a higher education
which was denied him by the system.
He fills out job applications.
“Have you ever been convicted of a felony?”
He marks, Yes!
And despite his qualifications
he don’t receive a second look.
He wonders, “How do I get a second chance
when I can’t get a second look?”
He approaches an old friend from the block
to buy a $100 double-up and
go back to what he does best
as he resets the cycle of systematic destruction.