by Isela My older cousin Mikaela was planning to overdose on a bottle of pills if she didn’t get the attention she was seeking in our group-chat. Mikaela has suffered from depression for three years now. She’s attempted suicide repeatedly. Mikaela has sent me pictures of her arms right after she’s just cut the surface flesh in attempt to bleed herself dry. In an attempt to kill herself, she takes a chance; a chance that she might live. But how many chances will life give her before death finally decides to claim her? She’s called me saying how much she
Continue ReadingThe Door That Cannot Be Shut
by Kenneth Harris Everybody deserves a second chance and my view is that second chances should be first initiated by the individual. Your second chance is to challenge yourself with an honest inner appraisal and recognition to aspire beyond your present circumstances, environment and intellect. We know the system does not work unless you make a personal effort towards transformation. Crime and punishment, be serious! I spoke to you last year how important it is to settle your mind, take a real good look at yourself, the entire landscape of your dreams and goods, family and the chance you have been forced into. Today let’s call
Continue ReadingDarkness and Light
by David Stanton Jr. (I) Once was a baby, then a small child, and then a young teen, as well as a young adult, but now I am a middle-age elderly adult (being) 60-and-a-half years old, but basically that makes me part of all of you, which is human. Living in this great big world of humanity. And whether you are “male” or “female” sometimes words of Wisdom, can help you change your lives for the (better) especially if you’re going down the (dark roads) of life, and to continue going down the dark roads is, (insanity) so please listen
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About this campaign For 24 years, The Beat Within has been providing incarcerated youth and adults with consistent opportunities to share their ideas and life experiences in a safe space that encourages literacy, self-expression, critical thinking skills and healthy supportive relationships with the community.
Continue ReadingVolume 24.49/50
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 24.49/50
Greetings readers and writers of The Beat Within! It’s been a while since we’ve published the voices of our hard working high school interns, who often transcribe pieces that come to us through adult institutions, published in The Beat Without section. We’re happy to welcome Catherine who has been working with us over the past few months. In her reflection, Catherine talks about her ability to relate to the writers she encounters, regardless of how she and the writer appear on the outside. Thank you Catherine for your contributions and believing in our mission. Relating On An Emotional Level The
Continue ReadingWhy Does Justice Keep Passing Me By?
by Bobby Bostic Justice sounds fair. It is a good concept. It is a great word, but hundreds of thousands of prisoners such as myself wonder when will we ever find justice. Why does this word allude us? Why doesn’t the Constitution apply to us? All of the so-called “just” laws on the books sound good in theory but we keep seeking justice but she seems to escape our grasp. The only people that we see getting even a little justice is those who are wealthy or have family connections. The vast majority of us feel like we will never
Continue ReadingMy Story
by Rodrigo During my time as a junior in high school, I wasn’t no Einstein. I did the least amount of school work and I didn’t like reading. Whenever I had a test, it felt like the real test was how to cheat without getting caught. On my last day of my junior year, I turned in my final test. I passed it with a little help from my friend sitting in the desk to the right of me. I felt accomplished. When the principal of the school came to the classroom and told me to come with her and
Continue ReadingThankful for Grandma
by Lil Danny I find myself thankful for my grandma, because she’s always been there for me. She raised me whenever my dad wasn’t around. She means a lot to me because she tried to keep me out of trouble. She told me to do right, but it was hard, because all I knew was wrong. She tried to help me whenever she could. She picked me up from the police station before they took me to juvenile hall. She gave me advice to do right. She told me she’ll take me to places if I behaved good. She gave
Continue ReadingVolume 24.47/48
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue Reading