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Black and white photo of a prison hallway with barred cells
Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

When did our little ones
cease to be children?
When did the pain erase
their wildflower smiles?
When did their first steps
become their last mile?
When did their highchairs turn electric;
When did we strap them down so tight?
When exactly did they step into darkness from light?
When did Cheerios, happy laughter and squeals
become silent tears and a lonely last meal?
When did we build houses of death
to keep our great country safe?
When did we sanction killing —
When did we forget it’s all hate?

Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Ezra Williams is a writer incarcerated in California.