Solitary Confinement, a poem by Abhinav Aradhi

 

Solitary Confinement

Isolation is a killer, isn’t it?

A devious beast that lurks always.

Locked doors are its entry,

Closed windows give it air.

 

It sharpens its shy knife,

And it cuts into the social nerve.

Soon you’re all alone,

In a world that favors relationships.

 

Are you one of the lovers?

If not, you shall be hanged.

Executions at dawn, be ready.

Or find a mate before then, you whore.

 

Are you one of the friends?

Then wait to be whisked off.

I know you’re lying.

There are no friends, when there’s isolation.

 

Are you scared yet?

Of the silent killer?

It’s serial, I’m telling you.

It’s severe, I’m warning you.

 

There’s no way out of

Its murderous lair.

Stay still and squirm,

Or Stockholm it up.

 

You’re a goner anyways.

Goodbye you heathen.

You friendless coward.

You unloved fool.

 

Social ties are what saves you from it.

Shy knives are too cowardly to break through.

You didn’t think this through, did you?

No one’s blaming you, except we all are.