A poem written by a convict...

......(supposedly), not totally theologically correct, but contains much truth coming from a heart of sorrow and regret. (brought over verbatim from another site)

--------------------------------

The following poem was written on the wall at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman (many years ago). The note at the bottom stated that the author was unknown.

THE BAR
The name of each saloon is bar,
The fittest of its names by far.
A bar to Heaven, a door to hell;
Whoever named it, named it well.
A bar to manliness and wealth,
A door to want and broken health.
A bar to honor, pride, and fame,
A door to grief, sin, and shame.
A bar to hopes, a bar to prayers,
A door to darkness and despair.
A bar to honored, useful life,
A door to brawling, senseless strife.
A bar to all that’s true and brave,
A door to every drunkard’s grave.
A bar to joy that home imparts,
A door to tears and aching hearts.
A bar to Heaven, a door to hell,
Whoever named it named it well.