Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. Vol. 116, Nos. 3 & 4. Whole Nos. 709 & 710, September/October 2000

As once they did, before arraignment,
 they case the joint for entertainment,
And, finding none, revert to creatures
 with wild, distorted twisted features.

In restless fits, the inmates rumble
 from mood of either rough and tumble,
To screams sufficiently demented
 to keep a lion tamer tented.

I cannot hang them by the thumbs,
 and thus my warden’s role becomes
A race involving Hari-Kari
 and sweet approaching solitary.

Stir-crazy children, on vacation,
 while Mother, Keeper of Probation,
Implores the Heavens strength to give ’er
 till Autumn sends them up the river.