Emotion’s Prisoner

By emotions do you feel imprisoned?
Those passions that incarcerate
Such impulses running uncontrolled
Peace of mind might liberate

Those thoughts that prompt rapid reaction
No time taken for reflection
Imagined threats to our esteem
Deserve greater circumspection

And anger, jealousy, disgust, frustration
All impose a custodial sentence
Paralysis denying mental freedom
Punishment demands repentance

But not all emotions would our soul confine
Love, joy, surprise, amusement, anticipation
Break the bonds, and lift the spirit
Bring blessings prompting acclamation

Sentiment, woven through the warp and weft of thinking
Emotion, hallmark of the human life
Feelings that govern every mood and action
Obsession in elation or in strife

From unwanted thought’s detention
Release our mind’s captivity
Float above preoccupation
Through serene passivity

Ken Fisher