The Question

A angry man growls the question, why do you always smile?

Glancing around I see the brick building, hard concrete, razor wire on the top of the huge surrounding fence.

Guards with guns standing in the tower waiting on a mistake to happen.

For a moment my smile slips as I think of how we are mistreated and talked down to.

Looking up at the sky I contemplate on the beautiful colors put there for me to enjoy, the warm sun on my face.

How I have family and friends who love me.

A woman who adores me.

The peace within my heart.

Staring the man in the eyes, I think of how he goes home daily.

How he brags on how much money he has, his nice car, and on his sexy young wife.

Sir. You ask the question, why do I always smile.

So I ask you, why do you not?

By Billy Walters Incarcerated at Piedmont Correctional Institution in Salisbury, North Carolina