Pardon

They came for me early
That morning was surely
The last I would see a free man
Burst through the door
Threw me down on the floor
While my fickle friends scattered and ran
Proud and undone I surrendered my gun
And allowed them to lead me outside
But I have never been guilty
I don’t need a pardon
I don’t need prayers
I’m fine to face my accusers
And show ‘em my ten-mile stare
I’m prepared
These bars the aren’t permanent
Rust takes a turn
But it won’t be til I’m still and cold
My confidence fades
As their baskets and blades
All grow brittle and broken and old
Out in the yard I cast glares at the guards
And I hurl these words at the sky
And laugh while they show me to a
Room I’ll never leave outside a wooden box
No familiar faces not a friend
I won’t be afraid I won’t apologize
I will be alone until the end
I’m prepared
I’m not scared
I’m prepared