Prison Workout

 Prison Workout

The slit opens 

I remember I’m here 

pain dares me 

just to feel 

I greet the body 

with a sort of prayer  

then think of anything other than this 

I go down to the floor  hope I return 

every breath 

a calculated concern 

calendar on the wall  needles on the clock 

up against nerve 

muscles and blood 

halfway done  

something takes over 

the self-talk promise 

that things get better 

hope is the last thing 

that ever leaves 

wrapped up in a swirl 

of sweat and endorphins