The metal gates swung open and then shut behind the man
Who managed Halden Prison with a compassionate state plan.
Here in Philadelphia he made a tour of cells
To sample all the sights and sounds (and maybe even smells.)
This Norwegian manager did not like what he saw;
“You isolate your charges for such minor breach of law!
In Norway we don’t use much segregation to hold sway --
We find that very few men benefit from such foul play.”
Norway has few prisoners, and none are in for life;
While Philly is so thick with bars you can’t insert a knife.
The contrast is so striking that professors scratch their heads,
And wonder if Norwegian crooks are given comfy beds.
Here in dear America we lock ‘em up so long
And punish them so harshly they forget the right from wrong.
In Norway, on the other hand, they’re treated with respect,
And go back to society not as a moral wreck.
Norwegians spend more money on their prisoners than we.
Their motivation to reform is built up constantly.
Perhaps if we fed prisoners a lot of lutefisk,
They wouldn’t come out hardened as a felonious high risk.
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