The appearance of a prison

From the outside looking in,
it has the appearance of a prison.
But look closer.

The locks and routines are not what limits,
it is the disease that holds people captive.
The cellmate is a bully who shows no mercy -
Confusion.

Move in even closer. Watch and listen.
What was that? A tender touch. A smile.
A reassuring gesture. Kind words,
both respectful and encouraging.

Listen carefully.
The quiet, deafening in today's loudness, is solace.

The stillness, so out of synch with the busy world outside the doors,
is actually a source of calm.

The routine, almost unbearable to those who don't belong here,
gives stability.

I kiss my dad on the forehead and tell him I love him.
He smiles and closes his eyes. I know he is safe there.
But honestly, is that enough?
I punch the code into the key-pad and leave.

...........

Walking through the doors, back into the sunshine,
I feel a sense of freedom in the fresh air
and the fall colors.

It's true, I realize. It does look like a prison.
But there is peace and love within. I have seen it and felt it.

And there is more. There is hope beyond.
Thank God.