Ernest

Unnamed eyes of gold

Peer through the cell bars.

The cries of others confined to this room.

Some escape. Tools of white whiskers, dark stripes, young girls are scooped and taken home.

I strain, stretching my feet towards each passerby,

To save me from death row,

The only crime I've ever committed being the breath I take from the world.

The final kiss,

the only affection I will experience,

the pursed lips of my executioner.