by AL, San Mateo When I was in the 4th grade I had went on a field trip to the Oakland Zoo. The year before in 3rd grade, I couldn’t go because of my absurd behavior. Surprisingly I was actually able to go this time and it had actually turned out to be a fun experience. My day had started like any other, I had woke up around 7:30 in the morning and started getting ready. I showered quickly and brushed my teeth and then got dressed and was out the door on my way to school. It normally took
Continue ReadingAuthor: mpau@thebeatwithin.org
Rejection
by Jesse Ayers, San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA “You can’t always get what you want. But if yozzzzzzzu try sometimes, you just might find…You get what you need.” (Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones) for me it’s not that poetic. Kick rocks bro (The lady who rejected me). I know I am cute and funny. Some might say hilarious and handsome. I do my best. But there comes a time when you meet a woman and she laughs at all your jokes, I mean even the corny ones when there are moments where she is patient and
Continue ReadingBeing Accepted
by Mesro Coles El, San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA Being accepted is the greatest feeling in the world. It is my firm belief that so many people end up locked up because they want acceptance from their parents acceptance from their peers, and acceptance from themselves. As social creatures, we humans seek togetherness, acceptance and sometimes we change our outward appearance and beliefs just to “fit in” with a crowd. This usually leads to bad behavior, crime, and a rejection of their lives to accept the views of people that hate them or that do not know
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Volume 25.45/46
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 25.45/46
Greetings friends! Welcome to another stellar edition of The Beat Within. This latest double issue is full of solid writings from our friends and colleagues (free and incarcerated) around the great state of California and beyond. It is such an honor to create this platform every two weeks and have the ability to share the art and writings from so many good hearted people, many we know and some we only know through their writing submissions. We owe a big thanks to you contributors, as you all are a part of history, when submitting your work to The Beat Within.
Continue ReadingA Lil’ Part of My Life
by Kenny, San Mateo Grew up in the city, man, that’s where I was born, went to school in the city from K through fifth grade. I went to Longfellow. I don’t really remember much or anyone, yet alone the teachers or anything, like that from back then so it’s hard to tell y’all about it. But after fifth grade I moved to Daly City. I was mad though because it felt like I was leaving my whole life behind. I moved to a nice little three-bedroom apartment, better than my old house fo’ sure. Back then I was living in
Continue ReadingRisks Are Everywhere
by Alan, Sonoma A lot of people are scared or afraid to take risks and do things that they think they can’t accomplish. They have a fear pushing them back from being successful and they give up on their dreams. They don’t realize that in order to be successful and they give up on their dreams. They don’t realize that in order to be successful, you need to take risks to learn something new. Each day you live is full of risks, whether it’s driving to work, or getting a new job. Or learning a new sport. You just don’t
Continue ReadingMom’s Passing Changed Everything
by T, Sacramento I enjoy being around all my family members – uncles, cousins, grandparents, and all. Even friends ‘cause they all help me when I’m down and boost my spirit up. Even in the situation I’m in right now. They visit me, write me, send pictures, put money on the phone, and don’t let it run out. Without them, I feel like I would be empty on the inside. I’d have a nasty attitude every day. But when I was younger, we used to spend every holiday together – Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthday parties, and all. Even trick or treating
Continue ReadingDear My Life
by Cam, Santa Clara I know I been in and out of the hall. But sometimes I got to make poor decisions. I didn’t choose to live the “life of a criminal.” This life chose me. I know it sounds like I’m blaming something else for my decisions, but it’s true. Some staff in the hall say that I been through some very hard stuff that a normal person would of killed themselves going through the same thing I did, from twelve years old all the way to now. I try to help my mom out with rent. I didn’t
Continue ReadingIt Is OK To Ask Someone For Help
by Angel Ruelas, Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, CA Playing sports has always been my identity. I remember running home from elementary school, just so I could get ready for my little league baseball games. I played all sports, from baseball, football, soccer, wrestling to even being on a swim team called Soledad Sharks. I just enjoyed wearing all of the uniforms and feeling like I was a part of something that was much bigger than me alone. I recall when playing football back then that I would put on my cleats and a rush of excitement would start
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