Ghost Ship | Prison Renaissance Prison Renaissance Special Issue Volume One | Page 33

Wake up

Too much fluorescent light

The first moments of reality crawl into existence

Pain

The first feeling of today

Sit up and massage the kink out of my neck

Can't massage the kink out of my chest.

Deep breath,

stale air

taste of tobacco

Find the way to the faucet

Through the mazes of bodies and bunks

Try not to get lost

Toothpaste goes on toothbrush

Colgate, Minty fresh

Spit out the foam and frustration

The water, cold

The sink, stainless

Reflection staring back

Splash

Tears and tap water

Their tears, not mine

Can't wash the anguish from my fingertips.

33

Mornings Say it All

Davontae Pariani