MY CELL

My cell is chasm
of unfathomable shadows...
And it is wondrous, radiant dawn.
My cell is flare of vibrant embers glittering
and a hymn to tenderness
surging, flooding, freely flowing.

My cell is loyal, inseparable companion,
demanding, fickle lover.
My cell is wasteland,
bedeviled by visual delusions;
refuge and shelter indestructible
inexorable,devouring and abysmal.

My cell is implement of torture
terrible, unbearable affliction,
My Cell is: Gethsemane
The Way of the Cross, Golgotha, Calvary
tortured, straight and narrow path
painful, necessary trial

I've grown up in my cell. I have matured
My adolescence has ripened into manhood.
I've known it all within my cell:
Purifying pain, anguish and suffering
Love, understanding and patience,
Unshakable faith and certain hope.

My cell is hearth, workshop, school
tilling field and battleground
Gap to be held at all cost.
Gladiatorial ring bathed in precious blood.
Cross: blessed be the crucifix which the Son of Man
with Supreme Love,
has forever engraved upon my soul!