The dissident in prison cast
Awaits the day he may outlast
His captors; see gates open thrown;
And after sorrows, hold repast.

’Tis such a one am I, unknown
The date these manacles be blown,
These shackles sundered from the wrist--
As I emerge to freedom’s zone.

It may not happen—I resist
The urge to fall a pessimist
In hope’s despite: although we fail,
Our fortunes have been singly kissed.

This Alcatraz may but prevail
Do I my prison bars bewail,
So I survey the sea so vast,
As does engird and kiss this jail.