Offender

Locked up.
Blocked up.
Shut down.
Pulse-beat calls the air short
and fear tinges the spaces between
where deep breath cannot reach.
Understood phrases sink deep
into the darkness of nothing seen.
Cold eyes gaze upon trembling form
unwilling to glimpse hope or love,
and no words suit the reply
lest the offended claim
points to repay.
Five? Ten?
Might as well
count back the spirit lost
while awaiting the consequence
... of failing ...
again unforgiven.