"Oh captain, my captain!"

Yes, friends, it is time to step up to, not the plate.  Not the plate.  But the HQ.  A humble HQ, a home for a quarter score of individuals, but a home nonetheless.

My late father was once held in a cell designed for two, but which contained five.  Big Ape was there, of course, and he asked to borrow a sheet.  I asked why, and he replied that he intended to fashion a private area for him and Big Andy.  I was intrigued, and asked why, and Big Ape said that Big Andy was going to toss his salad, and that whilst they weren't embarrassed about it, neither did they want an audience.  Big Andy worked in the kitchen, so I assumed he was ashamed at having pilfered some salad, which was strange, given that he was doing a long stretch for robbery, but in prison, one does not pry.

Further down the block, there was a motivational inmate, which with rhythm, such style, such mastery of language, that I was inspired.

I WAS GOING TO SET UP THE PRISON POET'S SOCIETY!

I began with an idea - to simply capture my surroundings:

Big Ape's behind the sheets, Big Andy's tossing salad. 

I hope the stuff's not been warm, or else it'll get all flaccid. 

I'm out here, sitting with two others

Feeling kinda awkward, cos they're Big Ape's brothers.  

"Hurry up Big Ape", shout one of the other men

"I've not had my salad tossed since being in the pen'"

You have salad too, I ask the excited guy

Guy says "dude this is jail, you'd best learn not to pry"

Big Ape's brother had joined in!  We were all reciting poetry!

The next day, in the yard, I saw Big Andy walking alone and asked if he wanted to join us, since he didn't get a chance to recite a poem, as he was too busy tossing everyone's salad.  He looked sheepish, and said he'd prefer not to be alone with the four of us again.  I said maybe he should come over, and I'd toss the salad whilst he thought of a poem.  He started to cry.

And that's the wonder of poetry.

And that's why I've set up The Prison Poet's Society.

claps his hands together nodding to Kirsty

"Congrats I wish you the best of luck!"

Crazy how fast people forget about cheaters

I didn't forget, I just don't care in any way.