Category: Piece of the Week

by Izais Detention… A place where “staff” run your life, a place where “freedom” is only a word you read in books or hear from kids who talk about it like they won’t ever know what it feels like to feel “free” again. Detention is a place where the word equality does not exist. Detention is a place that steals your youth; it robs you of the precious and unique experiences of young-adulthood. It grips its cold, dark fingers around your self-pride, self-confidence, self-reassurance, and self-everything. It slithers in your conscious and slowly poisons the very few thoughts that keep

by Felisha My nickname is Felisha. My life wasn’t always crappy. The first three years of my life were the best from what I remember. I remember my mom with long beautiful hair, with pink cheeks and luscious lips. Little by little she faded away, the meth and heroin took her from me. I remember living in the projects/warzone/studio. Our studio wasn’t the best, but it was more than enough to me. I’d give anything to be back there before the drugs when it was me, my mom, her girl, my little brother Aliace. Around three maybe four years old, a

by Blaze When I was sitting in the back of that police car, I was thinking about a lot of things. I already have bad anxiety and PTSD so I was having lots and lots of flashbacks on my life. I was thinking a lot about my family, of me not being able to go back home, thinking wow, what a failure. I am thinking about all of those promises that I made. That I was going to change my ways and be a better person. And thinking about how many people that I let down. I had a really bad

by Joey When I was sitting in the back of that police car, I was thinking about when was the next time I would sleep in my own bed again? My heart was pounding, my mind was racing, and my body was perspiring. I was looking out of the window at other people who looked at me as though I was a monster. I put my head down. I was embarrassed of myself. I refused eye contact. I wanted to vanish. I could feel people’s eyes staring right at me. It felt horrible. I don’t like being labeled as a

by Jamil I just sit and think of my past and I’m like dang, what a waste of life. Nothing but the same thing everyday. Running and scared of what? One day on November 1st, I woke up so happy like always and it was just a normal day for me. Just like every day and I wanted to go to my best friend Alric’s house so bad to get Wi Fi for music and Facebook. So I went to his house. I remember the last words I told my mom and my brothers were, “I love you mom I’ll

by Karina My days locked up feel so long. Drifting on a memory can’t believe you’re gone. I miss you with all my heart. I wish God, would have warned me from the start. What did I do to deserve this? I didn’t even get one last hug from you. Oh baby, God took your love from me. I need to see my angel so it seems. It’s hard, to keep on living this way, I need you here with me. Why did he take you away from me? There is nothing that I wouldn’t do, I’d lie for you. I’d

by Monica I am filled with anger because of the tears I had myself swallow. My soul is full of hope. My heart is full of love. My mind seeks happiness. It’s my memories that are stained with hate. Fishing, fishing – are you willing to take life’s bait? Seven years ago my heaven turned backwards, Now those words have stained my wrist. I reminisce to when I was a little girl for God’s sake. A little girl wanting to be a lady, They wanted to see her break. Three years ago I learned people were just phases. They’re here

by Cody Life is a choice that we all have to make. A choice to do the right thing or the wrong thing and in my honest opinion I suggest the right thing. Because where I’m at now is not a great place to be. I am locked up in a cage where I can’t break free. I want to get out because I miss all of the little things like a bed, good food, and friends. I especially miss all the big things like my family, girlfriend and games. Since I have been in jail I have had a

by DeeCee The Beat Within, lets youth express their Soul within, from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse they overcame, and refused to be another story on the six o’clock news. Beautiful transformations such as Black Boys so used to cocking glocks, becoming righteous cops and protecting everybody’s block.Proving change is possible, believe and you can achieve. The Beat Within, an outlet in this dry ass Hall, for the ones that have broken the law and are stuck between these confined walls.The extraordinary outcome when pencil meets paper, is as fresh as a taper. A voice for the silent, amplifying noise like

by Chuy In my hand, I had a gun. I thought I was having fun. It was a little odd That the cops were calling the house So I decided to run. To my surprise Four cops were waiting Three with guns pointed at me And the other with a K9. He gave me one chance To get on the ground Before he released the dog. I did as he told. I wasn’t trying to get bit. Two hours later I was in my cell Mad at myself For the life I am living. Because I chose to have it With