The Strip Search
By Monte Bridges - 1977
I was sent to jail one day,
first time I'd made the trip.
About the second order was,
"O.K. buddy, strip."
Now I'm not a bashful fellow,
and didn't really mind,
But this person searching,
seemed to be a different kind.
He watched my every movement
as I started to disrobe,
And came to swift attention,
his eyes began to probe.
Then when I'd finally finished,
and placed them in a pile,
He ordered me to "life em,"
(across his face a smile).
So I reached up and stretched
my arms, along the jailhouse walls;
"That's not what I meant,"
he said, "I meant you lift your balls."
Well I did just what he'd
told me, and he stuck his face up close.
I'd heard of many weirdos,
but this seemed really gross.
Satisfied he straightened
up, grinning just a bit,
I started to get dressed,
I figured that was it.
"Wait a minute turkey, raise
the bottoms of your feet."
(Both at once I wondered?
That would be real neat.)
Of course he found nothing,
and seemed content to let it pass.
Then to my surprise he said,
"now let's see your ass."
I looked about bewildered
but saw no help in sight;
Then I turned around, no
other answer to my plight.
"Spread em," he said, so I
spread my legs apart.
"Your cheeks I meant, you
dummy." (Had this man no heart?)
Well I complied and "spread
em," as I slightly bent my back;
Then I could feel his hot
breath, directly in my crack!
This chance for me was fleeting,
I knew it quick would pass,
So I grunted, groaned, and
strained, and then I passed some gas.
I heard his sniff then back
away, as a violent oath he uttered;
And as he swore beneath his
breath, I'm certain that he stuttered.
Since I've "been down" this
shameful scene, has often been my lot;
I've tried and tried to do
the same, but simply just could not.
But I know someday I'll leave
this place, and with a happy heart.
And I fondly hope, at that
final strip, I leave with one big FART!
This was written in 1977 at
F.C.I. Butner, N.C. , a brand new facility where I was editor of the prison
newspaper "Winds of Change." Just about every controversial aspect
of prison life is addressed by one prison paper or another. We exchanged
papers with numerous other prisons. Nothing was noted re the dreaded strip
search. I was discussing this one Sat. with my black friend Phil (Philadelphia)
and he said to me, "Why don't you write something?" I sat down that
Sat. afternoon and this was my creation. It was composed "tongue-in-cheek"
of course, but became an instant "hit." The Warden loved it and put copies
on every bulletin board in the prison. Hundreds of copies were sent by
inmates throughout the U.S. I guess, in a small sense, it became a classic--(such
as it is). I know it's a little risqué, but it's reality and not
nearly as crude as the real act. Anyway, hope you guys enjoy it.
Monte
Bridges Framed in Shasta County