let yourself out

i understand the desire
for those imprisoned to get out.
to dig
and burrow, to cut the steel
bars,
to climb out a window
and be free.
but what about those,
us,
including me who put our own
selves in lock up?
we can leave any damn time
we want. what keeps us there?
what sick
twisted emotion keeps us from
walking out
and leaving those cold hard
walls behind.
what keeps us in a bad marriage,
a bad relationship,
or friendship,
what ties us down to a
horrible job,
or tether us for life to
siblings who do nothing but
cause trouble and fight?
if the parents are evil,
run and don't look back.
why are we doing this to
ourselves? we have the keys
in hand. open that cell door
of despair and let yourself
out. like now, while there's
still time to enjoy and love
the life you deserve.