Reflection

El Salvador Prison (Sanctuary of the guilty)

Lend a second, an ear; patiently listen,

Atypical rhythm from the sanctuary of the guilty;

Search through the eyes of an uncommon thief

A thousand excuses hover all around

His unfortunate conscience.

But sadly somehow,

What sums this puzzle up is bluntly simple:

A taste of an acrid soup of depravity

With a stubborn pain closer than a lover,

It won’t go away.

He begs: freedom, freedom,

For he is human, we err.

*** Written by Jacobs Adewale ***

------------ Background to the poem ------------

The poem stems from the notion to paint with words the reality of our society and the seeds it has produced – vagabonds, strumpets, hoodlums, criminals, destitute, thieves.

Theses seeds, when examined from a compassionate perspective are victims of circumstances whom, in a way, fate left with no choice but to daily live with a feel of fear, anger, frustration, despair, hate and bitterness. Thus, they go against the law and some end in grimy cells and prisons as the picture above (Sanctuary of the guilty).

The poem, as the title connotes, is a reflection of our society and it is written not to justify criminality or the prevalence of vices but to appeal to the humanity in us to see these victims of circumstances (singling out a thief) as one blinded by rage and lust from unfortunate choices.

It is easy to judge others and conveniently castigate and condemn, not having to see life through their sore lenses. We are humans, we err. Though we all have a fair share of a taste of life’s depravity, not every heart is strong enough to endure pain, absorb hurt, embrace shame and move on with hope, love and forgiveness. So, lend some seconds and listen to reason.