Locks Exist

The locks exist in testament
to the gates that weren’t kept
closed at times life escaped
like the horse of fabled writ

the temptations beyond four walls
outside the barrier that constrains
beckons those who desire
something more than life restrained

equines sadly run amok
leaving safety of the stall
when the safeguards failed to keep
hearts from straying to wilderness

where the barbs pierce the heart
drawing blood as consequence
now that locks are afterthoughts
life will ponder what's been lost.