the first day and the last day

in preparation
for serving time in jail.
bring cash.
bring clean underwear,
t-shirts, white
is preferred.
socks.
the rest will be provided.
green jumpsuits,
a spring like mint
for misdemeanor offenders,
a bright summertime
orange for
felony inmates.
two to a one man cell.
one gets the cot,
the other a cozy
corner near
the head and sink.
pillows, sheets and a
striped blanket
will be provided.
no phones.
a thirty minute call is
five dollars.
three squares,
curfew at seven to be
back in your cell.
sixty days, and you're
a free man again.
keep your head down,
look no one in the eye.
there are two days of time.
the first day
and the last day.
see you when you get out,
unreformed,
but wiser as to the ways
of not getting caught
the next time.