Ornamental Iron Work

Ornamental iron work is
A decorative art form
Which often graces the gates
Of expensive homes.
It’s characterized by
Intricate detail,
Graceful curves
And artistic patterns,
But in certain parts
Of the City of Los Angeles,
It has become
The first line of defense
Against intruders.
The are sections of town
Were iron work covers
Every window and door,
House after house,
Business after business,
Locking people in
And the world out.
Why would anyone voluntarily
Choose to live a life
Behind bars like that?
What happens if
There is a fire?
People could be trapped inside
With no way out.
That has to violate
Every fire code every written,
A fact the residents all ignore.