Excerpt for Punishment and Crime - Poetry from Behind Bars by Caroline Doyle, available in its entirety at Smashwords

Punishment and Crime


Poetry from Behind Bars


2012©Caroline Doyle


Published by Rainbow Publishing


Smashwords Edition



The Kray Twins


Ronnie and Reggie were born bad

They were feared even as lads

They always got their own way

If they didn't someone would pay


They never did the dirty work

But the business they did not shirk

On their orders men would die

Of their crimes they could deny


As English gangsters they were the worst

Anyone who crossed them would be cursed

From their gang they demanded respect

And it's something they would get


Finally they were caught

And they did appear in court

Sentenced to a life in jail

Was a thing that made them pale.


Both the boys would never be free

Both their deaths took place in HMP

But they will always be remembered

For the people they have dismembered



The Hostel


The Hostel is the place to be

It's better than prison, cos’ you'll be free

If you are good and you behave

A lot of heartache you will save

From your partner you may be separated

But a new life will be created

If you accept the staffs help and aid

A whole new future can be made

Although it will be hard at times

From the darkness you will climb



Who Cares?


Who cares what I say or do?

Who cares if I’m down or blue?

Who cares if I’m alive or dead?

Who cares if I’m mad in the head?

If the rules I do obey,

They’ll leave me alone every day,

There’s only one who cares for me,

And by her side I want to be.

My family they don’t care for me,

They don’t care that I’m not free,

They don’t care if I live or die,

Just as long as I’m not close by.

A new life I will make,

My new love I’ll not forsake,

For where ever I do abide,

I want her there by my side.



The Yard


Exercise one hour,

Out upon the yard,

From three to four daily;

Oh, our life is hard.

There is nothing out there,

But to sit and talk,

If you have some energy,

You can even walk.

Round and round in circles,

Or sitting on a seat,

The fresh air we’re getting,

It can not be beat.

Even when it’s cold and grey,

We are taken outside,

Only when it’s raining,

Can we stay inside.

It is our only exercise,

Just one hour a day,

And only if not working,

Can we go out and play.


The Courtroom


Sitting in the courtroom cell,

I am going through sheer hell,

Waiting for the usher to call,

When I’ll be taken down the hall.

Then in the courtroom I do sit,

I feel as if I have been hit,

Listening to all the judicial talk,

I wish I could just take a walk.

I’m here because I must put in my plea,

So I know I won’t go free,

Lt’s back to prison I must go,

To carry on with my brave show.

I’ll be back here in a few weeks,

For sentencing, I mustn’t be weak,

It’s hard when you are on your own,

But any weakness can’t be shown.

I know with strength I will survive,

When I get out I know I’ll thrive,

For you will then be by my side,

And our love we won’t have to hide.



Christmas In Jail


It's Christmas day once again

I'm in residence at HMP STYAL

With so little time for recreation

You won't see much of a smile


Hours upon end spent on my own

When I want to be with you

I'm feeling oh so lonely

And without you I am blue


I am sat here listening

For the key in the lock

For that means my darling

My way to you is not blocked


In my arms I want to hold you

Right throughout the day

One day I know my darling

I will get my way



Queens Evidence



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