Time Served

By Jeffrey A. Paolano

Opening the food port, Custodial Officer French is gruff, authoritative. “Put all your stuff in this bag.”

Rallingwood submissively complies.

“Now, cuff-up.”

Rallingwood is passive. He stands with his back to the food port.

“Come through,” commands French.

Rallingwood, for the last time, walks through.

C.O. French points, indicating the exit.

Rallingwood, untethered, stands outside the prison; society, seeking expiation, has consumed a chunk of his lifetime.

Salvation resides in atonement. Atonement is concealed melded amongst good deeds.

Rallingwood fortuitously realizes life, within his control, is arrayed before him. He need only step forth in positive engagement.

Mister Rallingwood smiles audaciously.