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"Night Watch"

by WVPoetrygirl

You haven’t seen what I’ve seen
heard what I’ve heard, done what I’ve done,
On the Night Watch.
While you are sleeping, far away and dreaming
I listen for the sound of inmates scheming.
The rattle of my keys, the clank of the bars.
Footfalls down the catwalks set my nerves ajar.
On the Night Watch
eerie silence quickly fades, makeshift blades
carve into a cell mates face, chaos reigns.
Midway down the stairwell falls, the
Inmate O.D.s, the C.O. calls out to his
backup but, no help in sight, you’re on
Your own ‘til help arrives – who will survive
On the Night Watch.
Another night, another watch, plenty of time
to watch the clock, and these guys all
they have is time, payment for their life of
crime and me I stand for you with mine
On the Night Watch.


Written for my son when he was a Corrections Officer.  To all the brave CO's 
who protect us on the Night Watch, we salute you! - Anita Elam

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Poetry

2 Comments on “Night Watch”

jperez6814 says:

May 11, 2018 at 10:33 am

This has great atmosphere! I like the sound imagery; it really paints the scene of being alone and being spooked by all the noises.
WVPoetrygirl says:

August 27, 2018 at 3:18 pm

Thank you! Actually, yes, my son was a Corrections Officer in a prison and a lot of the imagery came from him telling me stories of some of his work nights! Thanks for your feedback.