First, you need to mix a cup of getting out of juvenile hall. Second, you need to add and cut a piece of respect towards your mother. Third, you need to measure how long until you get off probation. Fourth, spread a pound of going to see your probation officer Then boil and chop up you going to school every day. Fifth, roast your homework and roll outside to your after school program And combine and sprinkle some patience at the after school program. – Joshua
Continue Reading19.43/44 Editor’s Note
Given we are knee-deep into November, it’s Veteran’s Day, can we say, what a year, or shall we wait until we are a few days into December? First off, this editor and we hope the whole Beat team is quite proud of all of our accomplishments this past year, despite having to yet again rebirth our program. A year ago at this time, we were not too sure what was going to transpire with the program’s workshops and the publication, but we persevered and as we are writing this editorial note, find ourselves in an even better place than we
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What I Wrote By Ronnie Bo
What I wrote on this paper were things I knew you wouldn’t publish in the Beat. So, I tore it up. But I want you to take a picture of it and put in in the book.
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Volume 19.41/42
Writing is a gift. It is our voice when we just can’t talk about it. The mode of self-expression will always allow us the time to expose our pains, our hurts and the chance to really look at them. Searching in our hearts is what The Beat Within is allowing us all to do. – Terry Lytle’s, Volume 19.41/42 page 57 Download our latest publication here!
Continue ReadingVolume 19.41/42 Topics
19.41 Topics 1. Agree or disagree – This week we want to know from you, if all drugs should be legalized? One way or the other, tell us where you stand, but also back it up with a story, an experience, or a reason why you feel one way or the other, if our government should legalize all drugs. 2. Bothered – This week we want you to tell us what is troubling you. It’s bad enough to hold onto the things that bug us, so today we want you to lay it all out on paper, in a respectful
Continue Reading19.41/42 Editor’s Note
If you are an old reader or a newbie, we welcome you readers of The Beat Within. As is every issue and the many-many pieces that we type, edit and respond to, it is certainly a pleasure to produce and print this amazing priceless double issue, 19.41/42, of writing and art that you are holding in your hands. Yes, each issue of The Beat Within is costly and we do the best we can to make sure as many people can receive a copy, but it is never enough. The work is relentless to get this publication funded. We certainly
Continue ReadingMenace To My Heart by Lexii
Well, summer break was about to end and hecka new kids moved to the neighborhood (a lot of dudes) and I found out that the middle school I was going to was going to be turned into 9th grade academy and it was going to be lots new kids. Our relationship went down hill from there because when I went to the orientation at the 9th grade academy I seen so many fine dudes that were there and they was all my age. What! So I called Mat later that night and told him I don’t think we can be
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Happy Halloween!
Hello Lisa, David, and Kim Once a year I usually do some pumpkin carvings This Halloween I decided to do a Beat Pumpkin! Have a look, Josh
Continue ReadingVolume 19.40/41 Topics
19.39 Topics 1. I was wrong – Can you tell us of a time you did something wrong? What made it wrong? Was it an action? A conversation? An argument? What? When did you know you were wrong? In whose eyes were you wrong? Did you think you were wrong? Was it easy for you to admit you were wrong or, are you one to never admit such an act? Tell us your thoughts on the topic, have you ever been wrong? 2. I am proud – What and/or who are you proud of? Tell us of that special person that
Continue Reading19.40/42 Editor’s Note
Greetings readers of The Beat Within! Welcome to our latest double issue, 19.39/40, of writing and art from inside juvenile hall and beyond. We are thrilled to share the many-many stories and poems coming out of this fabulous one-of-a-kind issue, from the youngsters we meet each week in our weekly writing workshops, to our BWO contributors from all over the USA. This past Sunday this editor and a few colleagues had the privilege to lead The Beat Within writing workshops inside San Quentin State Prison. Talk about a treat and an unforgettable experience! Thanks to our colleague and friend, Karin
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