PLUS: Poetry Written by Members of the Free Minds Book Club

The Forgiveness

By Steven

I forgive my dad for walking out on his only son
I forgive the people who think they get over
When they assume that I’m dumb
I forgive life for dealing me this hand
I forgive my inner boy for not becoming a man
I forgive the man who bumped me
Because he couldn’t see
I forgive ...
But I can’t forgive everything
Because I’ve yet to forgive me ...

They Call Me 299-359

By DW

Orange jumpsuit, shower shoes and armband
Guilty by appearance and judged by my race
Guilty until innocent in the words of the D.A.
Lost in a cold dream called prison
Four sharp corners, eggshell paint, dusty gray floor
No lights and a filthy toilet
No tears, just my pen in action
They call me 299-359
Correctional officers view me as a stupid savage
I push the pen so I remain happy
Mama and Daddy, these are the unspoken words of your baby’s diary
My orange jumpsuit and number are only the book cover
So please don’t judge
My words are pure as gold
Not aware of the success these lines hold
I operate this pen to fight the war mentality
So please understand me
They call me 299-359
Orange jumpsuit, shower shoes and an armband