Solitary Confinement (Villanelle)

a darkened room, he sat alone

with memories he can’t ignore

with thoughts that only he had known

 

with photos that he’d never shown

well hid away inside a drawer

a darkened room, he sat alone

 

one time he tried to make atone

in words he’d never spoke before

with thoughts that only he had known

 

the things he did he can’t condone

another casualty of war

a darkened room, he sat alone

 

he tried to end it on his own

a failed attempt and nothing more

with thoughts that only he had known

 

his final years were spent at home

inside four walls, behind a door

a darkened room, he sat alone

with thoughts that only he had known