by King J God if you’re good, why did you put him in a grave? God if you could would his life have been saved? See, I’m mad at God but really I’m mad at myself. I never got to say goodbye or thank you for the help. See you picked me off the streets, told me how you really felt. As a young boy, you took me under your wing, And showed me how the game’s cards are going to be dealt. I hope you’re listening because I appreciate every little thing that you did for me. You’re the
Continue ReadingAuthor: mpau@thebeatwithin.org
To The Youth At All Juvenile Detention Centers
by Noel Rodriguez My names’ Noel Joe Rodriguez and I’m writing this piece and message to you straight from the penitentiary at Calipatria State Prison, where I am currently serving a sixty to life sentence for two murders. Not something to say or be proud of. I don’t even know how to begin or whether I am even worthy of expressing and sharing my past and thoughts with you all. But I write this message with the hope that what I share will help at least one of you to find a better path in life. At this point in your
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Volume 23.37/38
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue Reading“Starin’ In The Rearview”
by Michael Carter When I took my first breath in this world, it was while being placed into the arms of a child herself. A drug-addicted and alcoholic Mother at the age of just sixteen and needless to say my Mother was a very reckless sad incapable parent. It took a lot of years for me to be able to look back and begin to truly accept my childhood and learn from it. I would later use my afflictions as normal. It began to feel when the neighbors would call 911 and the police would a show up to whatever run-down
Continue ReadingInvisible
by Hayden It’s evening now, and other people are having visits with their families. To be honest, I’m really jealous. My family never comes to see me. They live so far away, in Seattle where I grew up. They felt compelled to get rid of me. It’s a pain I have been holding within for my entire life. They preach justice and practice lies and abandonment. I think it’s messed up for the staff to hold visiting hours inside the unit where I have to watch. There is a separate visiting room, so why don’t they use it? The answer is
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Volume 23.35/36
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingI Should Have Been Gone, I Should’ve Passed Away
by Douglas Cabrera Lost too many Too many coffins Too many ashes to count Too many Tried to hide the pain But the pain had to pout Came out In ugly ways I had Ugly days Psychotherapy My brain in a daze I had to Chase The kingdom of Jah And his righteousness Brain back in place My mind in a waste I had Wasted Too many calendars Too many birthdays without a pastor I grew Slowly Slow motion To my destination Detour after detour From sinful infestations I had No patience Just rushing it Like Fast food still too slow
Continue ReadingCome celebrate the life of Carlos Guiterrez, co-founder of HOMEY
Join us for an evening of poetry and FREE ice cream. HOMEY & Beat Within writers tell their stories in person to share their truths with the community around loss and healing. Against great odds, our participants have navigated an inherently biased and unjust system and come through it with a strong desire to share their experiences and alter communal perceptions about incarceration, the justice system and their communities. They have forged writing practices and found their voices. Enjoy FREE ice cream and original poetry & stories from our community of writers. WHEN: Friday, September 14th, 2018 WHERE: HOMEY 2221
Continue ReadingVolume 23.33/34
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingMy Life in Prison
by Jeremy Willis Hi there. This is Jeremy Willis again and I am writing this time from old Corcoran State Prison in Corcoran California. Well since I last wrote you a lot has happened. And what I mean is, I was told by the prison doctor that I have Hep. C. Thinking back, I must have had it for 16 years, and it turned into Liver Cancer (cirrhosis of the liver). The doctor told me if I don’t take care of myself, I most likely won’t live six months, but if I do who knows how long it could be, maybe
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