PRISONER EXPRESS

Anthology

of Poetry

Volume 4 Summer 2009

Welcome to the fourth volume of the Prisoner In my heart you lay, there they could never Express poetry anthology. I am mailing this to all Without the answer yet reaching his mind. get who submitted poems for both Vol 4 and Vol 3, But now, I must be moving on as well – Handcuffed then marched to segregated as the poems came in at different times during our With no answers, of what story did the solitude poetry collection period, and some of you submitted mans pose tell. Twenty days in lock up for violating prison poems for Vol 3 but they arrived after the poems A gust of wind brushed across my face – rules had been selected. We have received many great In that instant, I knew why he was in his I know that our love possess unlimited poems these past months, and a team of student place. powers and community volunteers read thru your poetry, To have one stop, and take in the air – I have no regrets for picking you two and select the entries to be included. We will post Maybe to question, also, why he was there. beautiful flowers the anthology on our website Not to enjoy that certain place – nor – time I hope you truly enjoyed this story I’ve told www.prisonerexpress.org. Please know our Remember it everytime you see an orange volunteers are choosing what resonates with them. But, to search the thought, and expand and yellow marigold What they choose does not signify what is best, and ones mind. if you are not chosen for inclusion in this particular Within your thoughts, you can find yourself anthology, I encourage you to continue to send in “The Senses of Love; [Revealings]” your poetry. As we depend on volunteers to type And honestly knowing who you are, is true Peter K . Holmes your entries, sometimes poetry comes back to us wealth. without the name of the author on the poem. I have Maybe, that’s what he was doing, while To see you, searched the paper copies but could not find a couple sitting alone – Reveals the eternal beauty that is love. of the poems and guessed as to who the author was When someone came along, and captured To touch you, or just wrote author unknown. If you find a poem his pose in stone. Reveals the softness – the tenderness that is of yours that is not attributed to you, let me know love. and I will be sure to correct it in our next newsletter To smell you, or poetry anthology. “I Picked You a Flower” Reveals the sweet enticing aroma that is We will begin collecting poetry for Vol5. In Marigolds love. fact any poems received this past month have been By: Frank D. Johnson III To hear your voice, assigned to the Vol. 5 collection, and we will begin Reveals the captivating and delicate music the process of having volunteers reading and There’s red, orange and yellow marigolds that is love. selecting entries for this work. We are also Let me tell you how this story unfolds To kiss you, illustrating this anthology with some of the art that I walk by these marigolds every single day Reveals the desire and passion that is love has been sent in for inclusion the Fall 09 Prisoner They always have something refreshing to But; without you, Express Art Show . Please consider sending in any say The heart that is love reveals only art you might like to have included in the show. I wish, I had time with them to sit and talk loneliness, Money has grown tight in the free world, and any But the guards always shout “less talk – Only sadness and despair – you are love stamps and donations you can afford to share with more walk” the program help defray the cost of our operations. There’s an un-written law that says do not I appreciate the opportunity to work with touch “Through These Years” you all on expressing your creative side. Please send When I see them I think of you, who I love Robert W. Price any feedback that we can use to help design courses very much and projects that you find meaningful. This garden is where I escape in my dreams Even though the miles between us are so Best wishes for a bright tomorrow. There’s no more reality, life isn’t what it long; -Gary seems Your sweet voice and precious memories I know the trouble that comes when acting are where they belong… “The Thinker” out a thought Deep in the center of my heart is the place Author Unknown I wasn’t concerned with getting caught I speak of; There is this statue, a man of stone – See, in that cluster of flowers I saw you They will remain there, always, along with In the midst of a part, its plot sat alone. Remembering the precious moments we your love… With this pose, as if in deep thought – had, I knew then what to do I know a lot of good times between us are I wonder, what it is that he sought I didn’t hesitate, I had already picked and lost; There was no theme, any more, then what choosed If I could, I’d change that, regardless of the the eyes had seen – The orange and yellow ones, with two I cost… So, it leaves one to stretch their own couldn’t lose You’ve been there for me thought it all; daydream. After grabbing them I ran quickly to my Picking up the pieces when I took a painful What drew the man to such a pose? cell fall… A worry of the world? Or something as Lieutenants and sergeants looking for me, The appreciation……I can’t even find the simple as the clothes? someone had to tell words to say; Was it frustration of a matter – maybe I hid them under my mattress in a dirty My mind so clouded like a dark rainy day… questions of love – shirt I try my best to think of thankful things to Ponders of friendships – or quotations They asked me to consent to a locker and do; from above? bed search But just come up empty, with a simple Whatever it was, he’s been captured in time I didn’t want to lie so I had to submit “Thank You”…

P a g e | 2 I sometimes pray that this will be enough; Pollution in the air Pablum and psychiatric(k) flap. Never forgetting I made your life quite People are terrible Too often drug overdoses are substituted rough… They just do not care for humane social interaction. Please forgive me for the things I do and The cops take control have done; Of everything we do When can the mentally disabled see justice Sometimes choosing the wrong ways to There’s nowhere to hide Under the USA Constitution? have a little fun… That’s why I came to you Neither mandatory jury hearing nor These things I do, are not to cause you pain The Devil shook his head accurate records. or shame; With a great big grin America is too often darkness. And you must know your not the one to He opened the door The public does not even realize we are less blame… And welcomed me in dangerous Do remember this, my years left, a lot or Than the average citizen, especially on just a few; proper medication. It’s from my heart mom, when I say “I “High Clouds” LOVE YOU”… Thomas R. Lundehl Why not show a USA son or daughter some light? High clouds Why not peel away the indifference “Dreams” That shine bright That so often murders a mentally disabled Terry Ellis Make me happy individual’s spirit Sunsets beautiful As nighttime is falling I look towards a And dreadlocks nappy dream. Take a second, and forget “Ma, I’m Sorry” An image of you is such a beautiful thing. My gaze on Him is set Dedicated to D. Horton I fall into slumber and your vision appears. As I step Tomieko N. Davis There you are standing with eyes full of Out of the boat tears. And walk upon the water The list of the wrongs is so long, We walk and I hug you with a gentle The Father He smiles Not even sure where to begin, embrace. At my wonder These words could be put into song, Your tears are resolved and a bright smile Atoms split asunder It still would add up to great sin. in there place. In the shiny glory The just when I’m about to hug you again. Of a sealess world No mother should have to endure I awake from my dream and realize where I I take my rest Or try to cope with all the pain. really am. In the high clouds In your mind, ill be just as pure, I’m locked in a cell I almost forgot. The dust of Into your arms, I was first lain. It seemed so real it left me with this His feet. thought. Spent many a night up weeping, If you believe in your dreams you are going Then, was only thinking of me. to find. “An Appeal” Not even worried with sleeping Dreams are a reality of your subconscious Leslie S. Amison Nor what my ways would bring to me. mind. So don’t you ever think I’m gone forever. Our basic crime is no crime at all. I know this is so hard for you, Because tonight Ill sleep and bring us Mental illness is only a break down Worked long and hard for me to thrive. together. Of the biochemical levitation Now am forced to wear only blue, That keeps us on good terms and working Some act as if I’m not alive. With our fellow men and women. Untitled All the people I tried to please Edward Dwight Chapin But, we are demeaned for not carrying Have vanished and abandoned me. The torch of normality. Plagued like I have a bad disease, I crawled on my belly And even those who are normal Their goal now, far from me to flee. To the gates of Hell Are often labeled grossly: I reached forth my had A Jesus complex because of a beard. Not long ago, we were like one, And rang the bell A homosexual because of long hair. Times were so god, all were around. The gate sung open I see now, as bright as the sun, With a terrible clatter Seldom are our personal mythologies No hands reach down, I’m on the ground Out stepped the Devil considered. He said: “What’s the matter?” Seldom do psychiatrists even speak with the Pray I could do it all over, Life up on Earth patient. Would heed all that you taught to me. Is so terrible and blue Too often psychiatrists shoot from the hip. Crystal clear now that I’m sober, Can I come in and live with you? Seldom does the Public Defender even Hear, I now, in my mind, your plea. Society is so horrible speak with the client. It makes me so sad Seldom are hearing in the back room I’m sorry are the words that play, Living up there anything more So sad they’re all I can promise. Is really that bad Than kangaroo fantasia done to Star Over and over, all the day, Crime in the cities Chamber Right now I know its all amiss. Roger Vasquez “Amends” Soon these fences will be knocked down, Brandon Lee Garvin Believe, and don’t give up on me. If I could, I would paint a perfect picture These lost days will again be found, You and Me the perfect mixture Back down memory lane, again and again… We’ll rejoice! How great life will be! To be with you, it’s like being in the sky – Too fast to stop, to slow to begin If I could have you I’d probably break Slow pain remaining, it’s not the end down and cry Gotta choose who are your foes and who “Prison Is” I used to dream for someone like you are your friends Tomieko N. Davis But it was only a fantasy Where’d it all take you too, what road then? But when I met you it turn into reality Why did they send you for dividends in the Prison is something different to each of us. You show me dream really come true Penn? Like the changing colors of the setting sun, From the first time I laid eyes on you And who gives a damn about memories to Its impact differs from one to another. Sometimes I get lonely lend? It is up to you to paint your own picture. Only in search for a hug with two things in What kind of blend amends this cold mind hearted sin? Prison is home for those with a life Freedom and the woman I love. Want me to ask you this again and again? sentence, I said, “How the hell do we make amends?” Nothing to look forward to but these fences Untitled Most have given up, for all hope has been Ross Bonilla “No Title” lost. Brandon Lee Garvin When they take their last breath, their time The shackled flesh hangs heavy from the An intricate syndicate of minds hell sent. will be served. bones of this sinner Carved on a cameo of a memory I once And we weep for the stigmata children knew Prison is a vacation spot for drug fiends, Bloodied with the kiss of God Independent yet delicate are these times Ate up, resembling shells of their former Listening to the calling well spent selves, The wasted barren head space that only the Like a vision of freedom, which is Given food, clothes, and a place to lay their wicked perceive experienced by a few heads. Bowing low to the silent gods that once Their work awaits them as soon as they go held sway over man home. The ancient leaf crumbled to yellow dust “Cruize Control” Breathing the mélange of illusions Brandon Lee Garvin Prison is a haunted house for so many. We dream of lovers Memories play vividly in our minds Folded upon each other When the time comes for you to open that Invading dreams and all waking moments, Lethargically the willow men cure their gate Seen on the face of the one with the blank offspring by the flame It’s “goodbye and farewell” to those who stare. Pulling the nectared sap from their tear hate filled eyes Got a breath of fresh air… damn, finally Prison is a playground, just like being Slowly the manger cracks there home, Frayed by the passage of the owl The day flies by with no time to spare Hang all day with friends or play cards in We surrender our love to the dark Welcome back to the place you were once the park. An offering to appease the wicked before Family is here, “brothers,” “cousins,” and Praying that somewhere it will be returned But do it right this time – hard to the core “mothers,” magnified Family and friends stand tall and they’re Prison kin – no blood shared between them In hope that we have not become the vain down for you at all. child that throws their pearls before the A grown up son or daughter sayin, “I sure swine did miss you.” Prison is a stop sign, a time to reflect Curled in the webbed corner we slice the It seems like eternity since you last seen this On your past mistakes and how to do heart from the center place better. Bleeding the last liquid love that runs red Responsibilities and priorities all up in your Ignorance has brought you to this place this Head cradled by the maggot we slumber face time, Dreaming of the last taste of flesh, the last Cruizin’ in the ride, jammin’ to the new cd’s But stupidity will bring you back again feel of teeth Arm hangin’ out the window, hair blowin’ The last sensation that you were once mine in the breeze Prison is my ringing bell, loud and so clear. to hold Kinda’ stressful, but excited, at the same There is a greater plan for me; it’s so near. Filtered, her voice slips through the time confused It’s time to study and gain understanding. thoughts that bind me Like a lil’ kid again, so dame happy and There’s so much for me to do when I’m Hooked on her tongue she pulls me amused released. Closer and closer we become Takes awhile to get used to, I been there… Only to be separated again I know Just take it as it comes though – slow and “Picture Perfect” on “Cruize-Control”

P a g e | 4 “The History of the Universe Lies in the Least the pages of our history… Your worlds would have shattered like Children” Becomes shadows written in the ground… “Broken Glass”… Dr. Richard Sunday Ifill That will fade away with time So: I CHANGED FOR YOU Somebody needs to “love them” “I Changed For You” They are the cream of the planet earth CHILDREN… The CHILDREN that is… “CHILDREN…” Never again will I ever leave you…. They are God’s greatest gift to us To journey through life alone, They represent our “FUTURE” You are the essence of my life, Without direction or guidance; If they perish… The spirits moving within my soul, Or without the kind of father— Our future, My breath of life… And role model that inspires you to Will enter into a dark age… And the “purpose” and “reason…” greatness… The SUN may not shine For my existence. And motivates you to become the best in And the MOON may not cast it’s glow… You are the seeds of my heart, and at what ever you do in life. But the children represent our future And my “life line” into tomorrow. I promised myself that I would strive to They are our passport to create… I could not go on living the way.. make your “WILLS” Everlasting history. I have been, because I realized— And destines become a reality… If “we” do not love them NOW Hat my “actions” and “decisions” SO: I CHANGED FOR YOU. We may not get another chance to love Were hurting your lives. them… And destroying your chances… I changed because I realized, TOMORROW! Not only to grow and mature The pain and suffering that I was causing See the children standing there, Into “Kings and Queens;” you, Don’t be blind… That you all are destine to becoming, And because I saw that I was the reason Look at them from the corners of your But, they were also destroying. And For your empty thoughts, low self-esteem, mind… disconnecting my “bond” Broken dreams, sadness, nights of tears, See them “glowing with the sunlight?” That a “Father” should have with his Growing with fears and endless nightmares. They are the real PYRAMIDS. children, SO: The KEY into tomorrow. All of whom I love very much. I took pride in myself… We determine how they will bud… So… And in doing so, We determine whether they will become: I CHANGED FOR YOU. I CHANGED FOR YOU. Dr. King, Malcolm, Garvey, Rosa Parks, I knew that one must change so tha this The Queen Mother Moore or Corretta. I have up my old negative ways, children They are our E equals MC2 The bad habits, Can become the future leaders of our Our Plat’s Apollo Creeds, Marley’s and Misdeeds, imperfections and wrong civilization; Billy Holiday’s and Miles Davis’. doings,. The doctors, lawyers, judes, governors and These little one’s are our Christ’s… I realized that I had to sacrifice… Presidents Our Buddha’s and Muhammad’s… These bad images that made me a poor That can lead the world into…. The one’s our there, standing with – example— Phoenix of Paradise. Tears as big as raindrops… Of a Father, because as a Father, For these reasons my children… Because we are neglecting them. I came to realize that my “CHILDREN,” “You” can proclaim to the world… Didn’t someone teach you that through the Are supposed to be the most important— That “your” Father. children…. Aspect of everything that I do. I realized We live “forever?”… that I had to start setting a better example, Changed for you. Therefore, love them and hate them Because without my CHILDREN because no one… Life would have no meaning… Taught them So “Beautiful Fall” To see them, is to understand them. I changed for you Author Unknown Because the children will create tomorrow’s history… CHILDREN. As a gentle wind caresses the sun-kissed You are my anima… leaves We create today’s history, And being by anima’s, The birds nonchalantly flit here and there We create our future… You animate my life in such a way— Beautiful reds, oranges, golds, and That I breathe because of you yellows… Ah, but the children are our seeds of Your energies motivate me Colors so profound pervade the autumn tomorrow’s growing tree. Your vibes feeds me strength… air. Therefore, we must be careful how we And inspired me as a father plant our seeds, To want to change for myself The leaves rustle, whispering of days to Least they get caught between the thorns When I look into your eyes, come and… I see the “reflections of the universe.” Enchanting those that walk below Come back to “sting us” in the spring. Like “Sunlight”… Sunlight glints off the upturned foliage Or they can spring up with the sunshine, You sustain it… In harmony the leaves wave to and fro. Like EVER GREEN TREES… You made me realize the fact, that if “I Though at times we may seem to be caught Bearing good fruit all year around. failed”… up Cast them not to the grown, In the mystery or the magic of it all We’ll always have a deep appreciation alone, it’s quiet, you ask yourself hard Prejudice is a choice, ignorance and fault. For the beauty known as fall. questions. I find myself seeking solitude Why must we pay the price so easily more and more as time goes on. Not that I bought? haven’t come to peace within my The choice to hate goes deeper than “I’m Just a Mouse” environment. In fact I have made a few generalizations. Ricky Pearson good friends in which I count myself Let’s stop the tearing down time for new blessed. Solid peckerwoods who will stand creations! I’m just a mouse trying to find a way with me through any test. For them, I pray Do not justify oppression, through this labyrinth life searching for the only the best knowing they have to stay. We must learn that all things are connected. answers to questions I know not and of They encourage me to change my wicked Society has branded itself with a racist mind course the cheese. The trappings of this ways one at a time, while thanking “God” Children are taught to hate, not to be kind maze have me in a constant daze, so all I do all I got was a dime. Five years a young is wander and here and there I hope tests of man had to burn five more a mature adult We do not live with spies, crackers, niggers time that I’ve withstood up to now, beyond he will return. All my dreams and plans and chinks have prepared me for this rat race that I must come to fruit. Before all, I am an old Can’t you see we are in this together? Please continue to run. outlaw chasing crystal loot, turning fortunes stop and think. on one more proof. Surviving trails and We are all the same, my blood too stains A race from start to end with smell my only drink from hidden wells. Beating back red. clue. I race headlong into walls and now death from the Greeks’ grave. I prevail as a We need to awake the soul from the dead. headlong into you and reality. Screaming, gypsy street knave dancing through this Remember the message of the mountain with a jolt I come to the day of flesh and crazy maze. Like butterflies in a sudden top blood where skies get blue and gray and downpour, I am caught by the surprise in It doesn’t matter what others think, blue again. And though I succumb to this your eyes at recognition of intelligence. There’s only one colour, or together we numbness that I feel I know inside, Then saying under your breath who the hell sink. That the cheese is getting closer. is this unrepentant fool. Just what am I Through love we may just one day succeed supposed to do? Maybe live and love ‘em One blood, one God, that’s all we need Do I count? like some Jesus bones and a muppet. Yes, Am I superficial? no, maybe? This ain’t sesame street. I am Are you? living proof you got to lump shit and hump “Stuck” Worries consume it like a dog in heat. I would sooner get Brian Roberts Eat and eat and eat between a lion and his meat than between a And tweak player and his treat. Something sweet like I’ve entered a world of sorrow and hate And cry. Ashes and Red wine or Gems Because long ago I made a mistake. I want to live, superimposed over satin spread mattresses. I sit alone, watch life pass me by. But then again, Callin’ all you freaky actresses. I’m back It all started with a little white line Do I? mackin’ a heart attack waiting to happen. Strapping young blade with a fortune to Walls surround my every move make. How many more lines will it take? A golden life, turned to blue. “A Letter Never Sent” Live free, fast and with a sense of A letter, a visit, that’s all I ask Charles Marques compassion. It’s a grass roots happening! Laughter, a smile, a thing of the past.

What’s up bro. Long story short, I need to There’s no place to be myself use your address for parole and if I had “The Message” No corner, no hole. No damn help your phone# that would be great. I hate to Brian Roberts Every day I’m told to walk a straight line bother you but my date is coming up and The road ahead, a tough one to climb it’s getting late. If you don’t mind please let What separates us is not our skin me know. I’d really love to hear from the What we have or where we’ve been Play the game of appealing your case kids and you too bro. It seems like I rarely What oppresses me oppresses you, But deep down you know there’s no damn know where you’re at. At least I think you It is to each other we must be true way are having a ball. I ain’t mad about it just Some coffee, a rip, a little canteen missing you all. Listen I understand about We are torn apart by society, lashed at with The power of persuasion, that’s all you moving at the speed of life and all the back fists. need biting and strife. I also understand What is missing is kindness, a brotherly everything I was missing ‘cause behind kiss. A world built on bricks of despair these walls I have had the time to reflect on This is a world subject to ruin Separation by design, that much is clear how I was broken and tripping. Maybe I Hateful words and weapons. What are we I walk the track, around and around was wise or just plain lucky either way it doing? Searching for peace to block out the sounds worked out and it’s kinda funny. How this We have all in our lives prejudged someone sight was gained at such a low price where Labeled a book by the cover A hole, a ditch, stuck like chuck others have grasped it with a much higher Pray for a ladder, or just a little luck sacrifice. One thing’s for sure, there’s Some give in, change their name to missy always time for reflection when you’re

P a g e | 6 The pacmans of the system, each day a new Then a teacher or coach teaches their sissy Go ahead and laugh, I see it in you students strategies, on how to defeat their You wanna see me fail enemies Food so bad, tasteless and raw But I stand strong on my own Before long, it’s not only learned I force it down, no money for the store I’m a strong black male! But a part of you’re anatomy instinctively Maybe someday it will all get better served I hope so, cause I’m stuck here forever! So real Psychological breeding in its purest form You would think I’m made of gold Passed on and on to generations born Out of my suffering Leaving them with no option to think “In the Beginning” Came the strongest soul! Destined from the start to sink Johnathan Thompson Mentally locked away doing time behind So deep is my heart untruth In the beginning God said “Let there be Yet it’s a scarred place, Past down making innocents pay light,” then he punished me Beating at rapid speed Giving them internal time to do He said my life would be full of drama, Unable to catch so don’t give chase! And that is the truth, but this species of surrounded by death and the penitentiary property Plagued with a disease to be the darkness I know no such thing as defeat and bring harm to others For I am born to use my mind, “Lessons” So I disrespected my father and turned a My heart is the sun after the rain Like you, I grew up doing most anything I deaf ear to my mother A black man born to shine! wanted Even when family and friends became From the start I was put here to be a Beating hard for those of my community dubious or daunted nobody Leading brothers from the darkness Physical harms now hurt like those in my But I’m built with fire in my heart, I came With my head held high mind and it’s jaunted here a somebody I give you my black heart! Sometimes it’s alright at others to get foggy From the beginning I was told I was worth and haunted nothing To those who wonder… But with my head held high, I turned my Even still I do my best to stay focused nothing into something doing what’s right “Truth by this Species of Property” Sometimes ‘Cepted like when my mind In the Beginning God said “Let there be an Marcus Bailey battles giving me fight arch to divide heaven and water”. I see and hear phantoms attacking from Then dropped me off in the desert – a We’re locked up, doing time for things we darkness and light lifeless place where I turned darker didn’t do I duck, punch, and run still they find me So they called me black meaning I was We’re locked away, for things that certainly and inflict great plight hostile and stained, aren’t true And I’m treated as such. That’s why I’m It was self-defense I swear to god, it’s how So I try over and often to keep on truckin’ filled with hate and pain I felt like ya’ll would The life of a slave was too much weight for It gets very tiring though like my mind’s out In the beginning God said “Let there be my belt choppin’ wood grass and seeds for fruit trees” See I was raised by the system, even trained Few days I’m elated when all is well and Then in spite brought forth a different by the system things are good grass that harms my community Now I’m being blamed for their living But on most I get miffed cause it But who am I to ask God about the grass It’s kind of ironic, S bad or not as it should or its seeds? That this illness I have is chronic My judgment stayed cloudy from the Centuries of desensitized brains, Some folk just don’t get it they think you smoke of the strange weeds Government developed pains act as you’ve been taught Slave mentalities instilled from the date of I know that ain’t true else victims behind In the beginning God made stars to bring our births, would number naught light to the dark Leading us to believe that we’ve chosen our Yet I’ll not lay it down now see over all I’ve So I smile because I was though of from worths always fought the very start But it’s all a mirage a psychological barrage, One new help I’m learning to ply love n Knowing that I was on God’s mind in the meant for distraction truth as I ought beginning when he first made seasons To lead our attentions away from their Tells me that I was part of the plan to uplift actions Oh life has its rules which ain’t always writ’ myself from the Demons Which are the same as ours, just ask some crooks Made legal by their state and federal laws Ain’t no harder followin’ those in the tomes In memory of my mother Just let me explain of two books Anner Lee Thompson We all have choices but who do we blame Mustard-grain-size faith is needed you can’t 11-19-50 – R.I.P. 1950 – 2001 It’s an obvious matter! see it by looks Just look at the patterns It shows out by whose laws you keep and A sensei teaches his pupil what he knows, prayin’ by the nooks “My Black Heart” But holds back just enough to keep in Now I pray all to seek truth n love to soar Johnathan Thompson control high like birds Cause when we don’t we stink yep you Becomes just another job we’re paid to be I lean down and kiss her on the cheek, dark guessed it just as fresh turds doing and leathery, hickory smoke smelling I hope these runes feed all well like mackin sanctuary biscuits and curds Napalm, flashing in the jungle at night She takes me in her arms, hugging me – Here follows lesson and trysts with justce A man has to stand and fight how much time’s left? I’m scared and the old j word Never will I forget that smell wondering. I know the smell is the same in Hell Sittin’ here for a foggy crime doin’ time And another… some justice And I’ll get leave whens-day say so the “Hummingbirds and Runningbears” In the middle of the night, coming in from state’s from of just- is Kenneth Humphries out of own, unexpectedly My God Yahweh will know when I’ve Knocking on her door, waking her up, atoned enough for just-as Listening to the birds singing, she begins patiently, “Who’s out there?” I pray I’m changed in the twinklin’ worth of humming, “It’s your wandering grandson, I got a his just-us As I sit at her feet, under this big o’ surprise,” door opens slowly but wide cottonwood tree, “Who’s this pretty girl with you?” Waiting for another story that recounts “Grandmother, she’s, well, meet my wife.” “Vapor Trails” history Patricia Barker and Kenneth Her every word carved in stone to me (the Another Humphries child I used to be) She’s looking older than these Ozark “What ya doing out here on the back Heaven and Hell are upside down! Mountain hills porch, lovely lady?” alone, but animated, As men lie dying on the godless ground Wrinkles as deep as this holler we live in pretty The shy is on fire—Death’s angels in flight Brown eyes twinkling, contrasting against “Oh just watching the hummingbirds fly As tracer rounds and vapor trails her long grey hair around the feeder… They’re so busy!” Perpetually fill the mirrored nightmare sky That’s flowing—sometimes braided—all “Well, um…I was fixing to sight – in my (They were written by Puff the Magic the way down her back 30-30. We’re going deer hunting this Dragon morning” And screaming phantoms as they fly) Now she’s reaching for her cigarettes, her “Sit and watch the hummingbirds with me Teah, red smoke brought ‘em in this time red lighter, a minute, son—They’re trying to tell us And we’re all glad to see them For year’s she’s only smoked one brand something.” We don’t pray to them (instead of God) for (her favorite) Vantage, no reason I worry for her—she smokes too much—I And finally couldn’t bear Fuck, man, another soldier just fell But she tells me not to be silly (and shakes Another knocking in the middle of the Well, what’s left of him her head) night—my door this time.. “Grandma’s And you have the audacity to tell me She’ll die of something much grander than gone” That life has, oh, “real, heart felt meaning?” cancer She’d lost a leg, then the other – death Well, let me introduce you to something She (my grandmother) named me yanu’adisi taking her piece by piece- my brave kolanu Look over there—LOOK! He’s not (Running Bear) We buried her under another big moving She said my two year old legs were always cottonwood tree – oaks and cottonwoods DEAD! Tell that man about your emotions running EVERYWHERE! as faras the eye can see and feelings Much like these forty-two year old tears, as I hung a hummingbird feeder from a low I remember her limb, I couldn’t stop crying… “gv-ge-yu-hi There’s a man running—he has but one e-li-si.” arm “Granny, Granny, the little people are From the stump his life’s blood is gushing hiding in your house!” He falls, too, in this field of the dead “Runningbear, are you sure? In my house? “My” There’s no way of getting it out of my head Really? But how?” Cristobal Garcia Echoing screams (MEDIC!) insanities “This morning I awoke and heard them madness talking! About me!” giggling, My drink In each man’s face an emptying sadness “Well, they are my friends of the Tsalagi, Will offend you As dismembered humanity attacks us you little halfbreed,” smiling My hand Marines Feeling for some But we dig-in, build foxholes, keep semper And another time My God fli-ing Will forsake you Do our best to keep breathing, not dying “Grandma, I brought you a picture, it’s me, My my my ‘Cause a soldier fights for freedom your runningbear, in the army…” Voice is the lion It’s how we make our living Sighing, rewinding lost time, “My favorite That screams for attention Where blood and bombs are the norm grandson” reminiscing, fading, drifting My words are the bullets that kill And making peace by way of killing The silence My exploitation

P a g e | 8 My instability “Baptized” Russian roulette shot craps with Smith and My tendency Anwar Tapia Wesson My my my It took many many years before he learned My high Born in Mexico his lesson Intimidates you Land of corn: staple of the poor Miss Kitty was pretty pretty until her health My eyes Empty bowels cryin’ out for more started to fade Pierce through Baptized, in the murky cold waters Then word hit town that Richard gave her My demons Of the Rio Grande Rapids AIDS Chase after They had a daughter named Lexus who Every pill Living in the bleak shadows of America survived the test My my my Land of abundance As beautiful as she was she was a big ol’ Cry of thunder And obese stomachs mess Trembles dwn like fire Striving, searching, hungry Crazy how she failed to put herself in check My perpetual view For the sweet American pie Married a man named Lincoln that died Sees you for who with her in a nasty auto wreck You pretend to be Instead we eat Ummmm…ugh! Yeah, I’ll say the same My thoughts Of the grapes of wrath But that’s the way it is, that’s the name of Provoke And toil all day the game Subconsciously In sour low pay jobs My smoke Then hunted down and pushed back Keeps you awake at night To our native cornland. “Untitled” MY! Empty bowels cryin’ out again Jeremy Biddle Re-baptized, in the murky cold waters Of the Rio Bravo rapids My feelings and thoughts are evil and fiery “Silent Screaming” I’m afraid to express them, they might Clifford M. Nowell ignite me “The Name of the Game” I feel like Satan has me in a choke hold An ensemble of emotions, Dana Crawford Lord here is my hand please take ahold Rage throughout a young mind, Lord pull me out of this black hole Warped by incestuous acts, Mama always said that when you play with Just like the scriptures foretold, I turned Illegally and insidiously obtained, fire, you’re bound to get burnt away now demons possess my soul By coaxing or intimidation. And if you’re chasing tail they’ll be a lesson I’m about to have a breakdown, I’m losing Neglected of parental passion, learnt control Cravin’ encouragement and approval, So many times lust has led us along its trail I’m in a battle with Satan, it’s spiritual Inviting acceptance of immorality. At the end there was always this awful smell warfare Sadly taught sexual transgressions, I used to wonder if the devil could’ve I’m reaching and does anyone care Are physical equations of love. drawed a conclusion Lord are you going to help me or are you Invitations of lustful congresses Found love in a woman named Mary Clare just going to sit there and stare Are readily extended, bringing to be a better solution Even in my dreams the demons are there Future harm, invisible dangers. I used to run with a man named Big Bank Get behind me satan there is no room for Psychogenic states go unnoticed, Hank you here Sexual improprieties deemed normal, His best friend was Dollar Bill who loved Dear Lord Jesus, I need you, you’re the Gender lines drawn, then crossed, to smoke dank only cure As physical aggressions prosper. Now Mr. Dollar Bill was known as a cold- Without you these demons are going to Denial of sexual access, hearted brutha drag my soul to hell for sure Shock, stun, flabbergast, angers, Some even say he was a greedy mothafucka Introducing series of self rejections, Heard he once stole a man’s woman and Accompanied by imagined verbal slurs, left him for broke “Riding her Wind” Accompanied by imagined verbal slurs, Took his car, skipped town and left behind Jackie R. Sollars Destroying a fragile confidence. a rail of smoke Imagined looks of contempt, Now we all know how Ol’ Cane killed I sat high watching the mightiest storm. Degrade thoughts of self-esteem, Abel, An’ you O’ King upon your throne. Igniting anti-social behaviors. Seen Mr. Crack Pipe lying on the living Spoke thou a word into this hurricane, Confusion, fear: clearly in view. room table Givest thou Rita the Power of Pain. Needs, wants: out of reach. And if you think that’s cold In every spark of her furious fingers. Desperate yearning invades wrecked Look at the graveyard, its filled with the Tell-tale images of what doth linger, psychs, young and old Beyond the stone and iron wall While early learning reverts/diverge, They say the good die young What still stood in the ragin howl. Upon unsuspecting youthful victims, And when other people’s business hit town, Was there thunder beyond her scream? Needful of tender loving acceptance, it’s best to play deaf and dumb Through the window the rain doth sting. Silently screaming for rescue Jack Daniel shot 7up for coke Concrete wall, a foot thick began buckling, Will they ever be heard? Read in the paper that it all happened in As if only the puppeteer’s accordion. Pensacola For hours the world shook in her wrath. Noted I remnants in each magnificent flash. The parapet roof breached by waves “Nexus” Maybe that’s why I imagined myself crying? finding escape. J. Wilson I’ve finally reached a maturity level that will The seams in ever wall washed and gave allow me to go against the grain, live way. Like a half-seen trail in a sunny forest, outside of society’s definition limits, be a The cell’s filled as if a river being forged, Beneath a modern man. Under and around crashgates flowed this Canopy of leaves, barely deluge. Traveled by, in light golden tinted green. Or… Maybe it was just an abrasion that has Each tier a Great Water fall full of life. Always twisting and turning, never happened before and will never Two Great Falls, ten and twenty feet high. In some happen again. I sure hope not, because the The poor fools below scrambled for higher Places rougher than others, emotional release I experienced in my mind ground. And never in sight an end, felt too good to keep bottled up inside of Within this tomb, as in a ship were they For the trail always goes on, me. But only time – and tears will tell how thrown. Ever with my story ends Waves washing their feet away. A new wonder around every bend Suddenly the Fool’s did pray. “Pray ye cowards of nature’s fury! In a minute, minute particle “Life” Cleanse thyself of every iniquity! Of time. Tim Hampton Prepare thyselves to meet the Maker o Man. Never give up hope for a bright tomorrow, Sense of warmth desires of love Thy wretched souls caught up in this See a Moments captured on a picture with storm.: Faerie around every corner, laughter above Grown men without futures cry out in fear. Not a monster in every shadow, filled Experience today the pain and sorrow “O” how in end-times we wretches doth With these dark, strange thoughts. Goin’ to sleep at night, knowin’ there’s a care. Sprout wings of gossamer and fly high better tomorrow When caught in such storms we see, enough Our own petty mortality. To look View the departin’ death as love ones Come at me ye Great God of man. Into the face of a god. While celebrating the birth of young guns Collect thy bounty the Great “I am”. Let your thoughts run deep Witnessing the first things and lendin’ to For I fear not man nor thy storm, Like trees whom put down deep roots, their strings Fear I not the days that will or will not As we watch them sleep at night, hoping come. Until they reach the they’re having pleasant dreams For after thy wrath I’ll stand tall once again Nexus of the dream catcher Dancing with Rita and riding her wind. Seein’ them mature as they grow old Color bleeds back into vision, Givin’ them encouragement so they could Slowly, as if the world become bolder “The Picture of the Poet in Prison” Would break around if not careful. So sitting back and reminiscing is quite nice “Unknown ” Freed from ice, set loose like But we all should remember this is just a A bird of the air, cycle we call life The poet, sick, and with chest half bare Time has been paid Tramples his manuscript in his dark stall, Gazing with terror at the yawning stair “A Play on Words” Down which his spirit must finally fall “Untitled” David Freestone Jason Moreno Intoxicating laughs which fills his prison These are but scraps of written Invite him to the strange and absurd I don’t want to be consumed by the expression—from pages of a few; With ugly shapes around him have arisen primitive attitude that premates American Both doubt and terror, multiform and culture and convinces boys at a young age Meanings vary with locution – which may blurred that the three most important things in the be strange—not new. world are, “Money, Sex, and Power”. This genius cooped in an unhealthy hovel Their comprehension – without form – Those cries, grimaces, ghosts that squirm I want to be a positive attitude about life. I would be difficult indeed; and grovel want to learn more about the world and Whirling around him, mocking as they call less about the streets, more about romance Yet words are signs of our ideas and often and less about sex. I want to ask for not in need. This dreamer whom these horrors rouse directions. with screams, I want to go to church not because I’m We long for symbols excelling all others, They are your emblem, soul of misty dragged there, but because I want to feel And perfect syllabication; dreams, free to get ‘on my knees and say long Round whom the real erects its stifling wall. prayers’ and I want to do it and be more of For without parts, and parse, and mood, a man, not less of one. there can be no punctuation!

P a g e | 10 With that in mind, I’ll end this verse, yet All my dreams are filled with my greatest I was just trying to pass the times not with an apology, fears Only to wake up and find ‘m still here But with ‘ado!” a noun of course, bursting The only time I come out is for mail each “What is Poetry?” with phonology. day Johntrwell Johnson But when they get to me, ”nothing for you” they say What is poetry? Poetry is me. In my true “Driveby” With my head hung low, I head back to my essence a Gary Jimenez cell Being of 360 knowledge; knowledge of Because once again I was not called for pleasure and pain, knowledge of Prodigal characters mail Love as well as hate; Every poet should Raised and praised in the street A simple letter of encouragement, a letter know their place, Stealing and beating those they meet of love Because poetry can make one smile and Street corners set borders— So please take a few minutes to write a another cry; poetry is an universal language Hence crime and graffiti rhyme small letter used by every nationality in many different That play and prey our time It may seem nothing to you but it will make forms, some poetry is used to life an ill- me feel better hearted spirit; A Rival company comes cruising Ti know someone cared to take time out of Some poetry is used to express love, Freddy and his friends expected no feuds their day thanks, and But death claimed one of those dudes. To sit down and write a note and send it Some is used to simply express an Sadness and woe visit friends and family— my way individual’s emotions In the streets and all who hear You can never know what a letter can mean So I’ll ask again, what is poetry? Poetry is Grief embarks stories of fear. Until you’ve been where I’ve been Me, you, and everyone around us because And seen what I’ve seen everyone contributes to Apologies do not stay the hate Poetry one way or another through our Nor is revenge ever too late. emotions; “Captive Audience” Everyone’s emotions inspires an individual Charlie Harbert to write a poem about “The Mighty Humble” Love, pain, life, thanks, mistakes, and Francisco J. Lopez Don’t tell me about judicial system sorrows And the white house massing some How would we all be if there were no such I stood on the sand and gazed out worthless bill. thing as poetry? at the mighty ocean. So powerful, I don’t want to hear about the death mysterious, an untamed rogue—that penalty appeared arrogant! Or the next person they’re about to kill “Quagmire Dreams” Don’t ask if I’m going to vote for Gerald B Prisock As if in a trance, I held my breath A Republican or Democrat. (hypnotized) unable to move as it No more about Sept. 11 th Quagmire dreams, life sucking things approached me, and just when I was sure it Or the ongoing war in Iraq. Tearing the soul asunder would swallow me whole, I stared I was Don’t bother me about Israel and Palestine Quagmire dreams, life sucking things sure it would swallow me whole, I stared in Trying to kill each other whenever they can. Roaring through the night like thunder awe as it bowed before ma and kissed my I don’t want to hear about North Korea feet! Or nuclear reactors in Iran Quagmire dreams, life sucking things Beside myself at this show of Forget about China and Russia Chilling you to the bone humbleness from the mighty waters, I felt Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden Quagmire dreams, life sucking things the tears rushing to sting my eyes… America has so many enemies They never leave you alone …So I wept, I wept like a child Who knows what’s about to happen and allowed my tears to mingle with the But who cares about this or the economy Quagmire dreams, life sucking things mighty sea, so that it would carry a tiny part And the millions of dollars being spent, Into your psyche they creep of me in it’s hear ‘til eternity— And just for the record so you will know Quagmire dreams, life sucking things As I shall never forget it’s a I don’t give a damn who’s the next Out of our skin you’ll leap humble kiss… president Quagmire dreams, life sucking things Into the dawn’s early gleaming “A Letter” “A Silly Poem to Pass the Times” Quagmire dreams, life sucking things Darrell James Lee Beasley WAKE UP! Terrified! Screaming!

You can never know what a letter can mean Please forgive if it rhymes Quagmire dreams, life sucking things Until you’ve been where I’ve been and seen I like to eat Pecan Pies Follow you into the day what I’ve seen Let my mind wander Quagmire dreams, life sucking things I’m in a place behind concrete walls Through the skies, Nothing can keep them at bay. Where nobody visits and nobody calls I have no fear of belief in Death Everyday and every night is a living hell I try to enjoy every Breath So I keep myself confined to my little cell Pease forgive me for my silly rhymes, Wishing everyday for the friendship I crave, Now strikes are known as felonies “To My Woman’s” but always getting pushed away by those I Ad they can cause some strife Reginald West meet. With (2) you’re going to prison With (3) you’re going for life After awhile you learn the subtle difference Never feeling loved, never feeling brave, I This law will break up families between holding a hand and chaining a let the loneliness inside me become defeat. And uncover society’s fears soul, and you learn that love doesn’t mean The streets will fill with blood leaning, and company doesn’t always mean Life is passing me by never giving me the And little children’s tears security. chance to redeem because the world only I say the streets will fill with blood cares to see the path of a broken boy. With this law you choose And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t A (2) strike criminal facing life contracts, and presents aren’t promises, and The world is stuck in my yesterday, never Has nothing left to lose you begin to accept your defeats with your looking to see my tomorrow. And if you ever been to prison head up and your eye’s ahead with grace of I’m sure you would understand a woman, not the grief of a child, and you Always those around me seem coy to show That a man without his freedom learn to build all your roads on today their feeling of sorrow for a boy who may Is like a man without his hands because tomorrow grounds is to certain for never have their tomorrow. And what about all the children plans and futures have a way of falling And the parents they have lost? down mid-flight. Greed fills their eyes. Forgetting those in Suicide and welfare lines need and refusing to hear a broken boy’s Are just a fragment of the cost After awhile you learn that even sunshine cries. And how about all the prisons burns if you get too much, so you plant Filled beyond their max your own garden and decorate your own Too caught up in pride and embarrassed to It’s those that voted for this law soul instead of waiting for someone to do me a good deed for fear of retribution The government will tax bring you flowers. and criticism from the rest of the world This law was passed in ignorance By the people of this state And you learn that you really can endure, I pray to god it is corrected you really are strong, you really do have “Enamor” Before it is too late have worth, and you learn, and you learn Reginald West with every goodbye, you learn. Afar, and beyond where the pale moon “The Things You Do” “Motivation and Inspiration” arises, James E. Rogers Jr. Midnight is slaved to its silent death. To all my brothers and sisters still trapped For thou hast come again… again and It’s not the things you do, Dear, it’s the behind bars but not yet lost in the struggle: forever more has come. things you leave undone. I want all of you’s who’s reading this right Transpiring before the elusive soul quite That gives a bitter heartache at the setting now to know that there is one thing that I humbled and much in revive. of the sun, the tender words unspoken the won’t et the system keep doing to me and And where into dost hollowed eyes rest in letters you did not write, the flower you that is continue to run my life. dappling shadows of golden sun and gallant might have sent, Dear, its your frightening cries and squawk the blue carpet horizon in ghost at night, the stone you might have If something controls your emotions, the it liberal song. lifted out of your brothers way, controls your attitude, then if that same This be my good fellas The bits of heartfelt counsel you were thing controls our attitude, it controls your Where in valleys low, the valve dusk cloaks hurried too much to say, the loving touch actions as well. purple mountains of your hand, Dear, your gentle charming But most of all, if your actions are Steeps and the rivers stream quiets trickle tone, that you had no time or thought for controlled by someone other than you, then the pebble sand flours although the tick with troubles enough of your own, these so is you destiny! tock hours. little acts of kindness so easily out of mind, Try to remember one thing in life if And where through the vast and gloom these chances to be angels which even nothing at all; dost black ravens take in flighting trails humans find, they come to nights of silence Tough times don’t last but tough people do whispers of such sweet rapture dance along to take away the grief, when hope is faint the knitted pine where fields of empty and feeble and a drought has stopped untilled inner entwines fields of splendored belief, for life is all too short dear and “Broken Boy” green dibbled in silvery dew. sorrow is all too great, to allow or slow Reginald West compassion that waits until too late, its not the things you do, Dear, it’s the things you As a broken boy I go through life with only Untitled leave undone, that gives a bitter heartache myself to please. I wake each morning just Frank White at the setting of the Sun. to see how lonely my life us, cause the world has turned a blind eye to me. In the state of California They say 3 strikes you’re out And if you don’t know what this means Let me explain what the games about

P a g e | 12 Soldier My lovely sunrise dancer. Jos Duffer Mightier then the kings own plume it be Behind his castle wall nay safely be Engaged in a fearsome battle for “The Revolutionary Warrior” freedom… Everywhere I turn I see the Shawn Houston Where fiery tongues there many be enemy… I can hear the cavalry, but I do Spilling lies of thee and me not see them… Continuous mortar blasts, Revolutionary warriors at the head of a gunshots, screams of terror and pain… I mass movement. What is this I witness thee stalk my victims like a lion in the jungles, With iced out minds, bent on Bringing useless cries of shame for all that fighting instinctively for my survival… improvement. be Bullets fly by, blood rains from the sky, I Looking through the glass clearly; with out have to walk over the dead and the soon to eyes on the government. Which sets its teeth in the young of we be just to more forward… Still inching We have elevated our game & stamped out In their hearts of innocents they be forward for a goal I’m not even sure of disillusionment. Taught to hate their lesson be anymore… I hear people barking orders, We need a troop for this battalion; cause guns drawn yet again, pins pulled from it’s going down like Armageddon. What is this plight we’re forced to see grenades, bodies soaring through the air, So shake the shackles of deception and To pass between all men that be blood still raining… jump on the bandwagon. The noise has subsided, but the killing is Sign up at education station located in the Tis but a mortal soul astray persistent… east. Tis what I witness thee One side has almost been defeated, a Come sup with us at our table and marvel company of many constricted into only a at the feast. Tis thy own inhumanity few… No more guns we are forced to We got I-story, (our story), Religion, Tis thy own plight I witness thee personally attack someone that is attacking economics & Politics. us… Crying out to someone, anyone, to We teach the ins and outs of business, the stop the blood from raining; it is only trades and the tricks. “The Sea” misting now… I feel the coldness of Import/ Export- International Trade: Dr. Boyce Lee Gowan II something inside me… I feel the warmth of That’s the business baby; my life ease down my legs… Blackness We hi-jacking the game, who cares if it The naked waves sing replaces the horrorific visions of the events sounds shady. Of lands of great beauty past of the past days… Finally dead I no longer Making moves like a chessmaster, To this their last shore have to fight, but someone else already has politician, or business tycoon. reservations to take the place of the Anything steps in the way best believe it’s fallen… As I face judgment, I still can’t doomed. “Never/Never Again” quite remember what exactly it was I was We revolutionaries have no sympathy and Dean Chacker fighting for… Still, I have to pay the price zero tolerance. for my unrealized transgressions… I guess You can talk and backbite all you want; just The sound of Autumn leaves crunching I was fighting in the wrong war, for the don’t cross that fence. underfoot wrong army… Our lives are dedicated to this struggle: The smell of a hot soft pretzel And recapturing empires that was once A dog being walked ours. A cat sitting serenely “Nature Calls” We won’t stop till we reach the top. The bustle of a store at holiday time Bryan Webster We must by all means rise up out of the Having real money quagmire! A quart of milk Once upon the morning light, Not leaving the table hungry She yawns, A morning paper in the morning Stretching a milky smooth neck, “Mortals We” Real orange juice Craning, Dr. Boyce Lee Gowan II Calling someone when I want to Hunting a dew glazed sun dial, A computer With sleepy eyes, What is this I witness thee Sleeping in a real bed A silken cloth draped over ivory shoulders, What is this I’m forced to see A real job Shivering, Making my own decisions all the time Golden hair lying languidly, It renders grief to mortals we Going to a ballgame Softly swaying, A plight of death calling many it be McDonalds Upon toes so nimble dashing, Owning a ferret Across the Cold Roman mosaic splendor, What is this I witness thee A commode in a different room Quickly stepping off the well counted What is this I’m forced to see No razor wire paces, Never having to wear cocoa brown again Goose flesh, As frigid as the glacier to the heart it be Maybe falling in love A chilled morning waltz, Sweltering mortals there many be Going to a real library She glides, Numerous decades counting they’ll be Sitting under a tree As nature screams it’s unavoidable song, Visiting my mother’s grave Heaven merely a hushed sigh away, What is this plight I’m forced to see Surf ‘n turf Welcome to a soft new day, Whose grip is feared by thee and me Seeing the ocean Staying home or going out Because where I am, nothing can hurt me. Always echoes in the night, Starting a car on a cold winter’s morn Exiled to this realm until my demise, Some tiny thing disturbs the quiet… Looking out without obstruction God laughs at me while Satan tells lies. Heavy steps, keys jangle; sudden light A hot cup of coffee My world is different than any others shining, Playing with a puppy known, Into your eyes, always reminding, Seeing my mom It’s a place where I’m destined to live all No Peace for me – it is Forbidden! My sister alone. Blessed silence… Always hidden, Peace and quiet The cold emptiness soothes my spirit, No one hears my lonely screams, Mowing the lawn But if you were here, I know you would The ears of others only hear, it seems… Blue jeans Fear it. Silence…. Pockets Cradling me in its cold nothingness I feel Silence is forbidden me, A belt safe and secure, As long as I’m all alone, A long hot shower Compared to this place Hell seems so pure. Yet surrounded by so many others Saying I’m sorry face to face There are no cars or trains passing by, Who long for… Seeing my final resting place No one walking by just to say “Hi”. Silence. Sending an E-Mail There are no stars or flashy lights to see, Surfing the net I’m all alone, just the darkness and me. Trading stock “Pain” Volunteering Starkim Sitting in a real chair “My Thoughts on Paper” Having a “Rolling Rock” Jeremy G. Samuels Pain, reminds me that I’m still living, Eating shredded wheat SLAIN, are innocent children and women. A closet I write my thoughts on paper so someday I Assaulted economically and I promised me A pizza can that… A decent haircut Re read them later. One day I’ll be free. A real razor Walking with my shadow, singing to my A shirt that fits I write my thoughts to that others may read heart beat. A campfire them too But Pain keeps me here, Stone ground mustard Maybe someday I will find that person who The rain means a storm is near, I could Being out past nine feels hear the thundering and lightning. Locking my own doors The same way I do. Thought frightening, the electric bolts are a A real doctor sight to see. Warm in winter/cool in summer Have you ever felt so empty you question I long for a life that’s free, traveling with A coin collection everything, my eyes closed guided by my senses. Opening my own mail What does this all matter, what does this all I’m traveling back and forth because m Crème soda mean? path was lost, and my past had cost me The smell of a Zippo lighter everything, my rights, my chances in life. Watching squirrels No one really has the answers its all just So I gathered all the things that mattered. Flowers in a field one For strength and motivation as the older An ATM Big Guess. I write my thoughts on paper so nation left without leaving the blueprint. A thick fluffy towel I I became a nuisance and mimicked the A warm coat in winter Don’t have to waste my breath. movements of the bad guy, Real silverware Or am I, A china plate You can ask your preacher maybe your Functioning in something, designed, for me Cooking Mom or Dad to do time. Making real friends None of them will have the answers man From sentences to expenses, it doesn’t Real carpet that’s really add up. A window that opens Fricken sad. Some say bad luck, Being able to be me While I say consequences of that fast buck. FREEDOM So who do you ask if these people don’t Pain is these numbers following my name have a clue? as if I’m an item. You cant ask me that’s why I’m asking You! If your just like them, “The Darkness and Me” What’s your motive? Mike Thompson Hatred? “No Silence” Wealth? A cold emptiness has taken hold of my Michael C. McCoy Power? soul, Domination? Casting me to a dimension that’s never Silence to me is Dear, Control? been told. Late at night, when all is clear, What’s the ramifications? This is the vast darkness that I call home, Blessed silence comes to me, It’s a place where pain will leave me alone. For a fleeting moment… This is the only place I can truly be Free, I forget I’m here, but…

P a g e | 14 Untitled Desperation can perish hope, Or that they really don’t know you Mike McCoy To meet al of life’s demands. Or what your about? One’s heart can rot and fester, That’s okay, Sinister faces, dark unknown places Revenge… seems sweet and grand. Neither do you Self-righteous judges, decide what my fate Coldness seeps into the soul, Lost in the game is And hatreds fire fans. Until you are through. Unknowing, uncaring, Truth does not Thus when someone offers help, matter One can no longer see the hand. Do they want to know Locked up in Prison – Gone is my laughter Your now comfortable here? Crimes I’ve committed, of this, I’m guilty Within these walls, Your heart is made of stone, Locked in this moment, don’t know even Honor comes by distorted light. Never a tear. what will be Reluctance is frowned upon, You don’t count days now, Free in a month? In a day? In a year? When it comes down to a fight. You count by the year. Locked up forever? Am I to die here? One hide’s behind their numbers, This day today my body lies dormant The weak falls to the might. Do they want to know My only respite a dream – for a moment Deafness is a virtue, This is your future, A moment of freedom, glimpsed in a As well as loss of tongue and sight. Present and past? dream There’s levels to respect, This is the only thing Gone once again, when I wake! Do I And to what’s wrong or right. You can count on to last… scream? Scream at these people, unjust fucking Within these walls, keepers One learns of ways to kill. “Home and Family” Who sit in their courtrooms reading their To disappear off paper, Michael C.McCoy papers Or bend one to your will. These papers our lives reduced into pages What is not taught comes to be, Happiness was ours and shall be again One day soon we may give in to our rages! The most important of all skills. The day I leave this place of shared Anger and disgust at how we’ve been Patience and understanding, showers treated That you must climb your own hill. Coming back to our little house; Paid for! Straight out bullshit, how “Justice” is meted That there will always be, Paid for with Sweat, Blood and money! But Chop off an arm or a leg or just kill me …hope… out there still. ours! Mental anguish is not knowing what will be Life’s not a joke or a toy to be played with Within these walls, Homeward heading to you and our trailer By people who know me only as writing on Is not contained all of reality. Kitties, Cold Cereal, rad and flowers pages That mostly everyone forgets this, Late night bedroom, bowl of Captain Written by others, not a clue what is right Is sad beyond degree. Crunch Our hearts are become filled with hate dark Sadder still are those, Together Julie – I wish to share hours. as night Whom there own past life flee. So people if ever you sit as “Authority” So blind are they with pain inside, Strange Shadows, noises creak in the night Look at the faces, the pages before thee And broken down to see. Halloween Ghost hangs – guarding our Not living their lives free, but locked up in That even within these walls, front yard cages …they were always free. Squeezing you tight Julie, comforts my Soon they’ll be free – prepare for their heart rages! Matters not that I act so tough, or so hard! This rage is a cancer, eating alive Do They Really Want To Know With nothing to lose, what’s living? Chief J. Ramos and BJ My home, my family – I will abide there What’s dying? together again; I come! Never fear! Do They Want To Know Of the misery and strife Dawn “Within these Walls” That two or three times Roger B. Smith Israel Vasquez You thought of taking a life? Dawn breaks as twilight fades. Within these walls, Raised in the system The day comes forth like a crimson bolt One can come to realize The game is nothing new; across the sky. Life’s greatest treasures, Toe-to-toe with the best, Hints of Gold thrust forward, as a magenta And that time outside them flies. The lies all good to. shadow withers. Your own pitfall’s are laid bare, A Golden hue brings a resprite from the Before your very eyes. You used to say, dread of night, Solitude awakens understanding, “They can’t stop the clock!” Where fears once ruled, and terror abode. Your not the only one that cries. but neither can you A time to stow the fears of night and start Families are tests…stretched, now that your old bones the day anew. And sometimes eventually love dies. are ticking too. A reprieve to all, as light abounds and peace returns. Within these walls, Do they want to know All is well again, until… Ones’ will can sink in sand. That you will never walk out, The angst of DUSK. As if the birds coming and going were Bit by bit, the castle formed some sort of poetic justice. As the pile of sand grew high. Ame de boue (Soul of Mud) Roger B. Smith A constant and poignant remind of just I marveled at this child I saw how much we have lost in our freedom. The word he had at hand Mired down with a soul of mud, It was as if he saw his future struggling through a life of toil. Freedom, the thing all God’s creatures have In a million grains of sand. I have become one with a soul of mud, in common. A man with a hole where one’s heart once And then he looked upon it lay. The thing man pursues so constantly. before his work he stood A soul of mud, empty and void, black as his pride did show, for the finished work the night. The thing we all now do not have. and indeed, the work was good. Tension and dread builds each day, with nary a tear The thing these birds most represent as Then I heard his mother call left to spill. they fly about. And in a moment he was gone My life has become empy and forlorn, But tomorrow another child will come along with a soul Their wings give them such freedom. And the building will continue on. that is rent and torn. Intravenously intertwined within the mire I long to fly free with them… of dismay. The Coming Storm Nothing left but an Ame de boue. But I have not wings. William H. Davis Jr.

Had I seen the coming storm Salinas Rides The Earth Will Turn I would have sought a place to hide John E. Christ William H. Davis Jr. The forecast spoke of coming storms, But these warnings I denied A man long held down New life conceived Struggled against injustice A child will learn I refused to see the changing, Words as his weapons Man will grow Because I am a stubborn man The earth will turn. And now the storm has caught me out Poetry flows out I must take shelter where I can In rivers of well-tuned verse The moon eclipses Cutting paths of truth And the sunset will burn I shelter with the lonely The seasons change As the rain falls from my eyes Some men forge chains And the earth will turn. I feel the lightning strike my hear as I recall Holding back all human rights her lies A true travesty Young men wonder While old men yearn Thunder pounds inside my chest Words cut the steel bonds Time will pass on As I long for the love we had Carving away foul restraints And the earth will turn. now she is gone and I am alone, Light dispels the night so I shelter with the sad You live your life in longing Bold activist gone And death is what you earn All the broken hearted fools His words remain to guide us The cycle continues Who like me, are left in pain We inherit hope And the earth will turn. Remembering a time when life was good, Before it began to rain (The prison-poet and Humans have so many cares Chicano/Indian/Human rights activist Raul But it is really of no concern I stand here in hopeless wonder Salinas died in Austin last February at age Whatever happens on it How long can this storm last? 73. This is a tribute to his memory.) The earth will always turn. It seems there is no end in sight As my mind relives the past

I Have Not Wings Sand Castle And so the sky, it finally cleared William H. Davis Jr. William H. Davis Jr. and for me the rain is gone but many are not so lucky It’s ironic how the birds flock here. I saw a young child building for them the storm goes on A sand castle by the sea; How the ultimate symbol of freedom So committed to his work Now I am in love again would so infest such a place of That he took no note of me. The sun, it shines so bright confinement… I love her and she loves me His dedication to his task Not a single cloud in sight Was a wonder to the eye

P a g e | 16 And what is that the forecast says, My world is incomplete this mother’s day I hope so, cause I’m stuck here forever! The threat of a coming storm? like metamorphosis without butterflies, I stand here with her laughing Interrupting the stages of growth, for life, As I watch the tempest form. the monarch’s journey she never glides, “Let’s Go and Vote” Seizing my every opportunity that knocks, William Chaplar to soar the tranquil winds of serenity, Your wants Subduing the single simpers of mine, the Reds do it, blues do it. By The Fallen King endless sagas of silent lucidity. Those who watch the evening news do it. Echoes of edifications whisper, They do it. Why shouldn’t we? You want us to have self worth, so you encouragement on the whims that whisk, Girls who lie out in the sun do it. destroy our self esteem. Dedicating a tribute to a mother of mine, Nerds who don’t have any fun do it. You want us to be responsible, so you take letting you know you are truly missed. Let’s do it. It’s meant to be. away all responsibilities. Folks in retirement homes do it, You want us to be part of our communities So do students in their teens. You want us to be positive and constructive Lost Some NASCAR fans even may do it, You want us to be nonviolent, but violence Brian Roberts They’re just not sure what it means. is all around us. The guys who work at the docks do it. You want us to be kind and loving, yet you No peace, no tederness. Even one or two Red Sox do it. subject us to hatred and cruelty. Contemplation of life’s reality – seeking Let’s do it. I’ll make an note. You want us to quit being tough guys, so escape. The shrinks who cite Sigmund Freud do it you put us where the tough guy is Surroundings filling my heart with anguish. With personalities that split. respected. A search for rest only liberty can yield. Folks suffering from hemorrhoids do it You want us to quit hanging around losers, So long as they don’t have to sit. so you put all the losers under one roof. Hookers out walking the streets do it. You want us to quit exploiting you – so you Stuck English teachers quoting keats do it. put us where we can practice exploiting one Brian Roberts They do it. Let’s do it too. another. Cadets in school at the Point do it You want us to take control of our lives, I’ve entered a world of sorrow and hate Glaucoma patients smoking joints do it. own our own problems, and quite being a Because long ago I made a mistake. Let’s do it, just me and you! parasite. I sit alone, watch life pass me by. Obstetric nurses and docs do it So you make us totally depended on you! It all started with a little white line. While they’re telling you to “PUSH!” The Dixie Chicks, between mocks, do it, Walls surround my every move But you can bet it’s not for Bush. Mother of Mine, Missed A golden life, turned to blue. Most of the troops overseas do it Daniel Enriquez A letter, a visit, that’s all I ask Those who speak of birds and bees do it. Laughter, a smile, a thing of the past. Let’s do it. Let’s go and vote. Mesmerized by the best of memories that Blacks do it. Whites do it. you have left behind for me, There’s no place to be by myself Even Donald Rumsfeld might do it. Offering the most of security that your No corner, no hole, no damn help. Let’s do it. I’ll get my coat. judgments could foresee, Everyday I’m told to walk a straight line. P. Diddy and 50-Cent do it, Tender touches at your fingertips like satin The road ahead, a tough one to blim. Then sing about it in a rap. on silky gloves, Some members of Parliament do it Humble hugs with gracious love as gentle Play the game of appealing your case When they’re not busy slinging crap. as the feathers of turtle doves. But deep down you know there’s no damn Judges who sit on the bench do it. Empathy had no boundaries when it came way. Rumor has it that the French do it. straight from my birth’s start, Some coffee, a rip, a little canteen Let’s do it. Let’s do it now! Radiating within the brightest lights, that The power of persuasion, that’s all you Chris Rock and Bill Cosby both do it. warmth from within your heart, need. Immigrants who took the oath do it. Let’s do it. I’ll show you how. Obedience was the main obstacle to tackle, A world build on brick of despair Professors in coats of tweed do it. but I was ornery occasionally, Separation by design, that much is clear. Even people who can’t read do it. Forgetting about the wrongs I had, you still I walk the track, around and around. Let’s do it. Let’s go and vote! took time to forgive me. Searching for peace to block out the sounds. Making the best out of this melancholy, “There’s an Old Proverb…” drowning the pensive reflection of such A hole, a ditch, stuck like chuck. William Chaplar gloom, Pray for a ladder, or just a little luck. Intuition instantly manifests itself, Some give in, change their name to missy. There’s an old proverb that goes, “Hence, reminding me that I will see you very soon, The pacmans of the system, each day a new Never argue with one with no sense. Nothing and no on can ever amount to the sissy. For even those thought to be smart nourishment you shared with me, Wont be able to tell you apart.” Evolution would only exist on earth if you Food so bad, tasteless and raw were reincarnated physically. I force it down, no money for the store. There’s another proverb that goes, “Hence, Maybe someday it will all get better When on your life’s path you commence, No matter how young or how old, One day they will pay! For their self- Better is it to get wisdom than gold.” righteous – piety!

Still another old proverb goes, “Hence, The glory of the young is their strength- “No Visit Today” But of those who are older, it’s said Michael McCoy That their beauty lies in their gray head.” No visit today, God only knows why Yet another old proverb goes “Hence, Inside my cell I wanted to die To a person of intelligence, My life’s been destroyed, all taken away One reprimand serves more to school I contemplated this fact all this lonely day Than a hundred stripes do for a fool. Taken away from all that I love And another proverb that goes, “Hence, Removed from the world for things that Simple minds enjoy simple events. were done And in the same light, there’s a rule Seventeen years gone – so long ago That knowledge is scorned by the fool.” When will they even let past mistakes go?

And one more proverb that goes, “Hence, I hope you are well, safe and secure There are two fairly certain events. Never to feel life behind these steel doors To his vomit, a dog will return. I’d wish this fate on no one; you see And, for folly, a fool always yearns.” Not you; not even my worse enemy

So closing this poem I’d like you to know “Desolation Under Beauty” I think of your love daily, wherever I go Michael C. McCoy My world is so small, each day the same You are my true love, I pray this you Outside my window, Greenswards are remain. flowing, Int tall fences, halogen lights glowing Barbed-wire rolls top the galvanized fencing, Army tent standing; medical patients resting. Towers looming, armed keepers there dooming, Anyone thinking freely of zooming, Over the fences, far away from these buildings, Adrenaline flowing, desperate actions so thrilling. Keepers of men waiting eager for killing! A shot in the back! There greatest ambition, For convicts not living up to societies conditions, Their answer to crimes committed by people, Refusing life under the great Mormon steeple. Hypocrites all! These lowlife guards; wardens! Guarding the greenswards, Satan’s own gardens, These gardens are desolate, dried-up, dead landscapes, Death is their goal – the only real true escape, From this morally bankrupt corrupted environment, Run by sick, pestulant, perverted higher- ups, All claiming they do the word of society,

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