BY GLORIA O’KOYE
Time together has come to an end.
When the clock strikes it’s time,
Discussions must wrap up
Preparing for lock up.
Another night has come to a close
Just when connections were starting
To be built.
When layers been uncovered
After moments of surface talks.
Levels of trust is up in the air,
After everyone has felt each other out.
From deep within
When time is up.
A time of discovery
Outside the cages,
Yet, still surveillance by guards.
Safety protocols
A fine line from invading privacy.
Healthy balances
Of creative freedom
From incrimination.
Cultural filters to freely express
Without write ups to be maxed out.
Defining artistic therapy from words
Taken out of context,
What is a safe space in-between the lines
Of writing pain on paper?
How much inner work can be truly done?
Programs come and go,
Repetition on life skills
But in these spaces,
Once the mirage of the outside fades
It’s back into the concrete jungle.
Making the most out of any situations
Now these questions brings up
Loud thoughts
Yet unspoken vocals.