Go without warning
to the inmate’s cell.
Force him to the floor
(with smaller inmates
four of you will do).
Place phone books
across his thighs and abdomen.
Raise your batons shoulder-high
(higher if he’s whimpering or calling out),
then bring them down
and watch the pages fly–
each scattering
will bring you closer to his skin.
Take note
that sounds and sweat
and constant motion
do not close your ears
to your superior. He
will slow you down
before bruising can begin:
the skill in this
is knowing when to stop.
“Excerpt, Correctional Officers’ Training Manual” is an honorable mention winner in the 2001 Independent poetry contest.
