Escape 1970

 

Inside the straight jacket 

she is constrained

last days before death

a lonely loss of freedom when needed most

 

I imagine her emotions, 

tied up, held down, 

crushed

panic spilling into every corner of her sterile camisole

 

inside the straight jacket 

there are moments of clarity

hidden strength

a fight for recognition in a damaged brain

her precious mind soaring above forgotten reality

 

I imagine her frustration,

silent screams, senseless words, 

curtailed breathing

a slight, petite figure bound in canvas chains 

 

inside the straight jacket 

does she fool herself 

does she dream her shackles are crafted from clean white muslin,

silken handcuffs with delicate bindings 

caressing her tired skin

 

I imagine her courage

constant in the darkness,

I imitate, emulate 

hold myself still with crossed arms and false fears

it’s not the same

 

inside the straight jacket 

she whispers a final prayer for release

a lifetime’s regret surrendering to liberation 

her last words unrecorded 

lost inside fragmented memories of loved ones 

buried beneath the passage of time.