-André, California Medical Facility in Vacaville, CA I believe (know) we are all different (unique) in our own way. Even with that, I never fit in in the spaces I dwelled all the time. I grew up having friends in different groups. I had friends who were thugs. Others who were nerds. Some who were jocks, etc. Since I was a combination of them all, I never fit comfortably or fully in. The thugs thought I was uppity or bougie, the nerds thought I was too aggressive, the jocks thought I wasn’t focused enough on the sport, etc. This left
Continue ReadingGrowing Up in Foster Care
-Freddy, San Quentin State Prison, CA As a kid growing up and hearing stories from other classmates and seeing their family show up and cheer them on, I thought I was completely different. It made me sad to not be normal as I saw my classmates and friends. Growing up in foster care, I had to make up stories to sound normal in front of my peers. I finally got a family member to show up for something I did in a positive way. It felt good to see my cousin see me dancing and having fun in a good
Continue ReadingWhen There Is
-John, San Quentin State Prison, CA The point of no return is the door to freedom from accountabilityNothing matters after the pointHowever, it is also the point when everything I do mattersWhen everything I do can’t matter to anyone elseWhen there is no more reason to be kind, be kind stillWhen there is no hope for the future, dream stillWhen there is no chance for changing, try stillWhen there is no love received, love stillWhen there is no expectation to be me, be meWhen there is no need for self-restraint, be calm stillWhen there is no freedom, be free.
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Volume 30.03/04
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 30.03/04
Welcome, Beat Within community, to our latest publication filled with the reflections, opinions, and testimonies of incarcerated youth and adults from around the country. We’re always in awe of the work we’re privileged to publish day in and day out, and this issue is no exception! We have a special guest joining us for this issue’s editorial note, who many of our writers know for his big hair and even bigger brain, Michael Kroll, AKA “Einstein.” Michael has been involved in nearly every aspect of The Beat since its inception, and worked closely with our late founder, David Inocencio,
Continue ReadingLearn from the Past
-Don, San Diego Some people say, “new year, new me,” a new year to do better things. Forget about the past year and go into the new year with things to achieve. Learn from the past year to complete your dreams. Welcome to the new chapter. It’s a new year to become anything you want to be. Actor, poet, rapper. Look back on the past year and cry of laughter. Leave behind the negativity because now you have bigger responsibilities. A different year, a new approach, you can’t go back to non-progressive activities. Wanting to better yourself than the past
Continue ReadingWhat If
-Margucci, San Francisco Grew up in the trenchesAll that shhh had shaped my mindSayin’ momma I’m a listenJust ‘cause I’m locked up doin’ timeKnowin’ I ain’t gone listenI said that shhh the last three timesWhat if shhh was different?Picture livin’ like you whiteImagine you got privilegeAnd two parents that can guideLivin’ in the burbsAin’t gotta watch nobody dieAnd now you can see college‘Cause you ain’t gotta slide‘Cause when you in the trenchesIf you ain’t on ten then you gone dieI’m sorry it’s not differentAnd what if shhh don’t matter?Keep yo’ cards on yo’ chestBe prudent and when approaching matterDo everything
Continue ReadingHow Many Drakes Are There
-Monique, Correctional Facility in St. Gabriel, LA No one told Drake that his life would be interrupted by a thirty year prison sentence. Drake was the same as any young guy who had great potential. However, things changed drastically when he begins to get off track. Drake was born and raised in Southwest Louisiana in a city called Lake Charles. This is on the Northside, which everyone knows as Goo Sport for the hood terminologies. Drake lost his dad at the age of fourteen. So, his only father figure and the only man he knew was taken from him too
Continue ReadingAint No Sunshine
-Frederick, United States Penitentiary Tucson in Tucson, AZ In this series of essays, I wanted to write for those with loved ones in prison, to give them hope that nothing is impossible. Sadly, most want to believe that, but have resolved to accept the sad, “Fact,” that their loved ones in prison are doomed. For them, “There ain’t no sunshine.” So, I’m listening to a special version of the song, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” originally by Bill Withers. This version that I have, however, is the Lido Remix, which is a very cool version of the classic song. I’m using this
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Volume 30.01/02
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
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