by Mia, Santa Cruz To improve my future, I’m going to stop repeating the same cycle that I have been in since I was thirteen. I’m tired of coming in the hall. I’m tired of court dates and most of all, I’m tired of POs and judges telling me what I can and can’t do. I want to live my own life without restrictions. I want to be free from all the drama that goes on around me. I want to be my own person. I want to move and put these last couple of years in the past. I
Continue ReadingTrouble
by Teebenjii, Alameda Looking in your eyes I see troubleI can tell that you been thuggishI don’t wanna talkCan you just leave me aloneYou hurt me deep when I was down to my lowestI needed you and you didn’t give a shhh ‘bout meGrowin’ all this pain I been shownAin’t never stop, just keep on flowin’.
Continue ReadingAppreciate Life Before It’s Gone
by Camila, Sonoma “Your entire life can change in an instant. So instead of passively taking what you have for granted, be grateful for it and do whatever good you can with it.” – Anonymous I took a lot of things for granted when I was younger, like my family. I never really cared about no one but myself. I was always by my myself, until one day I got locked up when I was thirteen and went away for three years. In those years, being locked up, I realized who was really there for me. My mom and my
Continue ReadingA Memorable Surprise
by Ray Bands, San Francisco The first time I got a hover-board, I asked my God-mom, right? I just asked just because like I really didn’t want her to get it. You dig what I’m saying? But peep this: every Christmas she gets me one thing. No matter whatever it is, she will get me it. So, I kind of knew she would get me it if I begged. I bet I wasn’t going to do all that. So, it was this one Christmas and I kind of knew she got it, so I woke up and ran to the
Continue ReadingConvict Chronicles Tip #19… Pimpin’ Your Pad Find Happiness In Cell Improvement
by Leo Cardez, Dixon Correctional in Dixon, Illinois It has come to my attention that my cell sucks. Objectively, that might be too harsh of an assessment, but it certainly feels true right now. Don’t get me wrong. It has a window; working toilet and sink, albeit old and ugly; and enough space that I would describe as live-able. But the many things the cell leaves to be desired, cheap fixtures, un-openable window, uncontrollable vent, industrial off-white walls, and an ancient tile floor that never quite looks clean. It has the amazing magical power of concealing anything that is dropped
Continue ReadingSpeak Life
by Q. Paige, San Quentin State Prison, CA All have heard, “If you don’t have nothing nice to say don’t say anything at all!” I fully stand by this saying, “There is so much negativity in the world you don’t need to add to it. Be different. SPEAK LIFE! Encourage someone, inspire someone, uplift someone you could change the world one person at a time.” Have you ever told someone “Good morning,” and their whole demeanor changes? If you haven’t tried it, say “Good morning sir or ma’am. Have a wonderful day.” Then as you walk away take a peak
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Volume 26.43/44
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 26.43/44
Greetings friends! Welcome to double issue 26.43/44. As we continue to celebrate our 25th year of service, we are honored to have our colleague OT share the latest. The other night during our workshop, OT was inspired by us all to rap the following piece to the young men during a recent workshop. We encouraged him after the session, to build an editorial note around the piece and that he has. Thank you. This whole issue is amazing, as we are thrilled to showcase all the writings and art featured in this issue from our amazing workshop participants who step
Continue ReadingKeep Pushing Through The Comments
by IT, Sacramento The best advice I have gotten was when I was told that “in life there will always be ups and downs. There will always be people who doubt you and want you to fail. And there will also be people who want to see you succeed and do something positive in life. So as long as you keep pushing and stay on the right track, you will be okay.” I feel this is one of the best words of advice I have received because not many people know that no matter what people say, good or bad,
Continue ReadingForgiving Others
by Mario, Santa Cruz The only time I remember forgiving others was this time when my uncle gave me my first car. It was a Honda Civic ’03, all beat up but shhh, it was for free. I asked my mom to swap cars for a week. She had a new Honda Civic ’07, and it was hella clean. She agreed to. So I think it was a Wednesday when my mom asked me if she could get her car back. I was, like, sure, give me mine back. She was giving me the keys when she said, “But I
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