make one bad decision
or follow foolish friends
and train ride ends with
[ time inside the walls ]
hyper little boy in glasses
grew to be prison chaplain
found his niche ministering
[ to guys inside the walls ]
they have watched men die
but won’t cry except when
another sinner is baptized;
[ set free inside the walls ]
we’ve been taken through
frisked before entering gate
blessed to worship too with
[ church inside the walls ]
Melissa hosts poetics at the pub with Johnny Cash singing his Folsom Prison Blues…
a poem in my pocket 
Jan 15, 2026 @ 00:53:49
I was acquainted with a prison chaplain who went on to become a noted criminologist, working the rest of his life to improve conditions for offenders, particularly juvenile offenders, and writing many scholarly book son the subject.
Jan 15, 2026 @ 17:04:37
Sounds like he put his faith to work…awesome!
Jan 14, 2026 @ 18:53:26
I think it takes a special person who can listen, be compassionate, to be a minister or priest. And then to use those skills to minister within a prison – that is truly a commitment.
Jan 15, 2026 @ 17:06:26
Yes, this chaplain really is an amazing and dedicated person of faith.
Jan 14, 2026 @ 12:34:41
I hope it helps… there are so many prisoners so there has to be something.
Jan 15, 2026 @ 17:07:37
He’s offering hope 🙂
Jan 14, 2026 @ 09:32:58
There is hope in this. People can find freedom from wherever they are. Jesus meets us there.
Jan 14, 2026 @ 10:33:07
Amen! Thanks for your comments and the prompt, Melissa!
Jan 14, 2026 @ 05:37:32
I like the way you used repetition in parentheses in this poem, Lynn, which hammers the setting home., and written from the point of view of a prison chaplain.
Jan 14, 2026 @ 10:26:18
Thanks for reading & commenting, Kim!
Jan 14, 2026 @ 10:28:39
You’re most welcome, Lynn.
Jan 13, 2026 @ 21:24:12
I think it would be a crime not to try and rehabilitate the incarcerated.
Jan 14, 2026 @ 10:30:16
Agreed…there’s hope people can change.
Jan 13, 2026 @ 20:32:28
Nice one Lynn, the repeat line worked so well
Thanks for dropping by my blog
🎇much love
Jan 13, 2026 @ 19:49:34
I love your poem, Lynn. It takes a special kind or person to minister to those incarcerated inside prison walls. Your repetition at the end of each verse works well. Many do find God behind prison walls and go on to lived changed lives!
Jan 13, 2026 @ 20:06:37
Yes, the Spirit’s work is mysterious and life-changing!
Jan 13, 2026 @ 18:17:39
I love the clever form of your poem and the message carried within – Jae
Jan 13, 2026 @ 20:04:27
thanks, Jae!
Jan 13, 2026 @ 17:48:55
One of my brothers got baptized just after his parole-release from his 1st conviction but apparently it didn’t take; didn’t keep him from intentional homicide only months thereafter. Maybe, ummm….. Nah.
Jan 13, 2026 @ 20:03:50
i’m sorry to hear it, Ron…not all are real conversions, sadly.