Everyday, this one, long, large room
That was once a warehouse, but failed
Because the stored products would not sell,
Now a prison, grows less crowded.
Everyday one person is removed.
A woman would come to remove a handcuffed man,
A man would come to remove a handcuffed woman.
Most return, never take off the handcuffs.
The returnees kissed the filthy straw they sleep on.
The only words they ever spoke were "We have faith."
Some never return. We heard rumors
That those that did not return
Were waltzing with the person
Who came to get them in Vienna.


Duane Locke

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