Under the Warden's Watchful Eye

Metaphorical

Both warden and prisoner are trapped within a cell

Both longing for freedom to no avail

One must watch 

The other obey

But both are trapped in a place they must stay

Although it is the warden's duty

And his prisoner has no choice

The job weighs heavy on his heart

And he feels he's lost his voice

Author's Note

Ignore grammar. Let me know what you think.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Since you don't post very often, I'm happy that you read request me, so I won't miss anything new you might post. This is a very thought-provoking message, as Laurierose expresses right off. I generally think of two people caught in codependency . . . in all it's many shades . . . both must play a certain role . . . both are just as imprisoned, even tho "warden" may sound like the opposite of prisoner. I love this concept & you've drizzled it on the page in an interesting pattern of observations (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Fanicia E.]

Thank you for the read and review Margie! Codependency is definitely something that can be seen hidden between the lines.

[Dina]

I've been very interested in POV content lately. Especially when it comes to taking a glance into the worlds/perspectives of difficult characters. The Warden is one that is often difficult to empathize with. In the process of making others victim, they fall victim themselves. And just like that, your voice is no longer yours, your decisions are no longer yours, and soon enough.. your life is no longer yours either. Excellent write!

[T.S. Sky]

This is a awesome piece. I can relate to this.

[Rye]

Your last four lines, really intriguing and makes one think.
I like your imagery. Nicely written and expressed

[Fanicia E.]

Thank you for the read and review Rye. I like when poems are relatable but still leave parts for speculation

[Williams Ike]

This poem is metaphorical indeed because in the real sense because the prisoner and the warder could serve as metaphors for inevitability of life and death which every mortal are bound to face. It's a metaphor standing to explain the various disappointment as a result of one's helplessness in the face of difficulty. It also goes to explain the dilemma of that man nor woman whose power of choice is under siege either by poverty,racial prejudice or as a result of servant hood. I cannot explain it all my dear. It is richly, all encompassing metaphorical poem. Kudos friend!

[Fanicia E.]

Thank you Williams Ike :)

[Lavi]

Interesting write. Reminds me of a story I read a while ago, where the warden fell in love with the prisoner, who knew one another before. The ending of the story was horrible, I feel like the author started it and dropped it for a few years then continued it just to finish it but whatever.

*cough* anyway. I enjoy the moral and message-ish of the story. The flow caught my eye and I love the way a story was just nestled in there.

[Fanicia E.]

Where did you read the story? Thank you, this poem was a way for me to vent about some things going on IRL.

[Lavi]

There's no better place to vent about our lives than in writing poetry... in my opinion ;)
read moreThere's no better place to vent about our lives than in writing poetry... in my opinion ;)

As for where I read the story, I believe it was archive of our own. A good place to read fan-made fiction off of your favorite (or hated) tv shows, movies, books, games, etc... if you've heard of it. I'm a bookworm and author though - and of course a poet - so I'm almost always reading or writing something during my spare times.

[Fanicia E.]

I like ao3 although I don't read she as regularly there anymore

[Laurierose]

Damn, this made my mind race. I'm thinking of so many possibilities, conclusions, and messages. The immediate question that comes to mind is, "Who's the prisoner here?"

Conflict is strong in this piece. I'm lead to believe that the warden and the prisoner are the same entity at war with one another.

"One must watch." The inner
"The other obey." The body

When we're pushed into a place of doing something we really do not want to do, then we must disassociate to accomplish tasks. After a while of manipulating ourselves, we convince the mind to just watch and the body to robotically carry out.

We really are prisoners of our own minds, at times. Daring to be different is often the hardest thing to do. So we must find the lost voice of reason that was buried for so long, and speak. Thank you for such a wonderful poem. Great read, my friend.

[Fanicia E.]

I really like you interpretation of the poem! And so many people are afraid to be themselves because they either have yet to discover who they really are, or they're not comfortable with who they are in relation to everyone else. Thank you for the wonderful review!

[Onlyme]

Great poem, interesting, thoughtful and insightful. An excellent job is done Fanicia. Really makes you think and ponder on this subject even after reading the poem.

[Fanicia E.]

Thank you Dawn. I'm happy to know I wrote something that stays with you for a while after you read it. I don't think it's wrong to say every writer wants their work to have at least some impact on others lol

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Interesting and thought provoking share. The Warden appears more affected, as one day the prisoner may leave; after completing their sentence (provide not a life sentence). No wonder words become lost ... :-)

[Fanicia E.]

Thank you for the review Phil. What you've said definitely hits close to home in terms of what was on my mind when I wrote it.

[Wild Rose]

They must feel like that now > Money cuts = staff shortages > no one listens when they complain

Apart from that the wardens job is to lock up the convicts and attempt to keel them in order

[Fanicia E.]

Although that my very well be true I was speaking from a metaphorical standpoint that relates to a situation I'm currently in, not so much literal. Thank you for taking the time to read!