It’s a disgraceful place
where we must go
It occupies no space
but in the mind
will steal our days
and weeks and years

All talk of love
is vague
It seldom mentions
what becomes of those
who break the rules
Yet once dispatched
to Love’s Prison
redemption is elusive

Some will stay
forever
locked inside
this fervid jail
never knowing what
or why it hurts
to live in such a place

Some are granted
brief reprieve
repeat offenders mostly
for a moment granted
amnesty but soon
are back to
Love’s Prison

Some are rehabilitated
careful with their
ardor
careful then
to not repeat
the anguish
gone before

And yes, of course,
those fortunate few
have never dared
to step inside
fearful of the misery
afraid that they
might break the rules
and find themselves
inside Love’s Prison

The latter is the
woeful group
however
never having loved
another
never knowing joy
for fear of
love’s dark side

And so be mindful
fill your days
and weeks and years
with true love
mind the rules
and stay away
from Love’s Prison