Attribution: MGM Inc
Image Elvis in Jailhouse Rock
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)
Locked out, an indication one is not wanted
The snow, rain and cold out there triggered
Hoping though the weather
is kind
A respite in a way to give time
To reflect on what had transpired
For it wears off even the physically well structured
The vagaries of the elements
Impacting on the emotions
Running hot or cold
Subjecting the poor souls
To health constrains beyond
The being is tested and one suffers alone
Locked in is more dreaded
Behind bars or ‘house arrested’
Confined within the four walls
With no personal freedom at all
Free movements are restricted
Or not at all accorded
Is it a good choice then
being locked out or locked in
Emotionally the effect is the same
Whether innocent or
delinquent
Allowing those having the power
To allow the rat in the sewer
To act out their whims and fancies
To various forms of indignities
To which the hapless
Jail-birds and nameless
are subjected
to have their resolve wrecked
Written for 3-WordWednesday with words: trigger,delinquent and
hapless,
Poetry Jam with prompt - birds and Poets United’s Verse First with prompt - lock
Poetry Jam with prompt - birds and Poets United’s Verse First with prompt - lock
Interesting to think about the difference between being locked out or locked in, and which would be worse. I think you are right, Hank, emotionally the effect is the same. I hadn't thought about this before, but this poem definitely gives me food for thought.
ReplyDeleteA Hobson's choice either way. It's not a positive and negative thing. It's not one better than the other even though they're opposites! Yes, both are condemned to hardships. Would rather not have to make such a choice.Thanks Mary!
DeleteHank
neither would be pleasant...i think the confines of being in would get to me faster than being locked out you know....
ReplyDeleteYou're right Brian! No arguments with that!
DeleteHank
you are quite the genius Hank. I'm the opposite of Brian, I don't really mind being locked in, I DO NOT want to be locked out!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! You're right within your own context. Locked in the house but freely able to do whatever. Locked out would mean not being able to come into the home. Yes,better to be in! But where have you been, Ma'am! Not seeing the poetry lately!
DeleteHank
Loved this and that felling of locked in whilst locked out. Very well done and a great take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteyou are right that locked in forks over the power to the person keeping you in. i am no survivorman, that's for sure but i'd take the outside. i appreciate your perspective. both have their potential power to overwhelm.
ReplyDeleteLoved this idea and how you tackled it Hank!! You just triggered my poor hapless delinquent mind ~ whether it wants to stay in or be out and lost!! ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I have a fear of having my freedom taken away. It explains why I'm not much for going to people for help. I made the mistake of doing that once in my youth. Ended up in a psych ward over the weekend because I was honest and told them I was having suicidal thoughts. I never made that mistake again.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful poem........ and making 3 prompts come together is a gr8 job i liked it............
ReplyDeleteHmmm both have interesting circumstances, but yeah would like to avoid locked out or in at my bin
ReplyDeleteI think you have tapped a hidden fear in many of us, and given it a good and healthy airing! Fine poem.
ReplyDeleteAmericans have suffered this post-9/11 PTSD of having their freedom taken away for years. Interesting that you chose the Elvis picture, because he had his own private jail... safe from fans, free to indulge in jaybird behaviors (although prisoners don't get peanut butter-banana sandwiches). Was wondering whether you got that connection when you chose the pic... This is an allegory for all of us. Wonderful writing, Hank. Thanks Amelita
ReplyDeleteI kept wondering how birds was going to fit into this! Excellent take on the prompt. Locked in or locked out -- interesting muse on the differences here. Locked either way would be frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting contemplation - that whether locked out or in, emotionally the effects are the same. Wise words, Hank.
ReplyDeleteElvis is a huge part of my history, my growing up years. So nice to see his image and read the poem you wrote incorporating not one, but three challenges!
ReplyDeletelocked in or locked out....both isn't good at all... ha...and now i'll be humming elvis' jailhouse rock all evening...smiles
ReplyDeletegreat reflection / I agree they have elements of the same tho I think I'd choose "out"
ReplyDeleteLovely contrast here, Hank. I'm not sure which is worse...
ReplyDeleteNeither locked avenue is thrilling
ReplyDeleteI have fear for both Hank ~ Not a good idea to be in either cases ~
ReplyDelete...it's difficult how i was literally locked in most of the time while i long to be locked out & wander like a free soul... you can't def choose any to settle on with forever for even those who wandered most in their lives at the end of the day still would love to get back home... this is excellent Hank... really reallt loved it... smiles...
ReplyDeletethis is so true locked in or locked out both are terrible
ReplyDeleteHere's to freedom!
ReplyDelete(Happy to see Elvis any time.)
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ReplyDeleteNice poem.. particularly loved this part "To allow the rat in the sewer, To act out their whims and fancies,To various forms of indignities,To which the hapless,Jail-birds and nameless
ReplyDeleteare subjected.
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