From the Iowa Prison Writing Project

Justice in Covid Numbers

6 - - - - - 2*

got caught

am I only a number to you?

fences like a zoo

sent to rot

6 - - - - - 2

symptoms like the flu

we’re locked up, on the spot

am I only a number to you?

the news lies to you

they’re letting us out… not

6 - - - - - 2

the bars I look through

and the tears I got

am I only a number to you?

am I human enough for you?

am I not worth a shot?

am I only a number to you?

6 - - - - - 2

*inmate number redacted