Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PRISONERS, by CHARLES WILLIAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PRISONERS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Prisoners, where'er in bitter cells and small
Last Line: On you inflicts what I and all should bear.
Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Prisons & Prisoners


PRISONERS, where'er in bitter cells and small
To-night you watch or sleep the hours away,
Till the beginning of no hopeful day
Maps out your angry and steel-latticed wall,
Have mercy on me, for whose sake you are thrall
To what man knows of fear, and are the prey
Of the general mind, which slays you lest it slay,
And, lest it rob, robs you—and so with all.

By you against her citizens the land
Protects herself: what each one singly would,
The commonwealth of all hates, and for fear
Of her own lusts hath clutched you with rough hand;
By you against herself protects her good,
On you inflicts what I and all should bear.





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