FreeWritjaeil arts
FREEWRitE
Poetry Should Walk Alone Poetry should use the window to freeze a pop Poetry should wear a clown suit to a job interview and wear a business suit to McDonald’s, too
aboutpoetry
Poetry should sing its favorite song “Party Like a Poetry Star” Poetry should
Poetry Should...
ride in a red police car
Poetry should cry
and say that the
Poetry should lie
law of poetry is to have a poem
Poetry should rain Poetry should have pain
Poetry should
Poetry should sing
walk alone through the shadow of love
Poetry should think
and show respect to all the poets above
Poetry should have fun Poetry should go to school
Poetry should
Poetry should eat
kick you in the face
Poetry should play with her feet
when you wake up
Poetry should walk up the block
in the morning
Poetry should eat candy
looking like
Poetry should have a car
a disgrace
By Sharica F.
Jasma L.
Pain In My Life… I have so much pain in my life. Don’t know why people come in and out of my life
Poetry Will
Poetry Will Open You
Poetry Should...
Poetry will free me
Poetry will open up your mind
Poetry should sing to the birds
It will help me
like a child opening a gift
let itself be known to the high heavens.
do a lot of things
open you up like a can of pig feet
It might help me sing
open you up to a door that leads
Poetry should dance and jump around
Poetry will help me
to different ways of life
and stomp on the group til it gets to China.
be me
about
family I Come From
Where I’m From
open you like pores
Poetry can help me
spread you like wings
Poetry should whisper
love me
on a bird that soars
hope
I come from a long line of people
to all the children in CCJTDC.
that really don’t care for me
which made me just want to be free
People say that I look just like you
understanding they only want the best for me
Poetry should love
but act just like her
They know I can be anything
one another
I wish that you cared about me
as long as I believe where I’m from
as it loves itself.
instead of caring about yourself
I had no Mother
but it seems that you will never change
where
Poetry should
Why can’t you do something
in most cases
lust for knowledge.
for me for a change?
people have no Father
Or why can’t you just do the
I am going to be
right thing in life?
my Dad’s successful daughter
People say that I shouldn’t hate you
but where I’m from is a family
open you like a tasty piece of chocolate open you like a never-ending book to read open you up to the point where you say I’mma be me
Poetry should bring peace. Poetry should feed the homeless.
No one knows where I’m from
Poetry should be Robin Hood
why I feel this way
I will succeed at poetry
steal from the rich
I feel this way because you never think
Andrea H.
and give to the poor.
about how stuff might affect me in life I blame you for getting me locked up
I fall in love so fast I think I need to slow down and think about me and my life So much pain in my life…
Brittany K.
I know I’m a sweet person but I just get my heart broken all the time Pain in my life… Mom, I want to say I’m sorry for putting you through so much pain We have pain in our lives Sorry for calling you out of your name and talking bad about you, Mom I love you dearly and will never stop loving you So much pain in my life… Grandma, I also want to let you know I’m so sorry for putting my hands on you I had no right to do something like that I know you deserve better
My Baby
Grandma and Mother
I blame you
I feel like I’m dying because my better half is
You’re my world
for everything I have been through
so far away. And after that, I’m not going to be
I will never put my hands on you
I blame you!!
able to finish my day. Not able to concentrate
or call you out of your name again
Poetry
and making me sit in here for 7 months
should make you think.
Christine B.
A place where tough love surrounds me
but a part of me does I bet you are wondering
I’mma be free
I don’t know why
Why do people hurt me the way they do?
I love poetry
Faith P.
just breaking my little heart
Taijana T.
A Story About Breeana
on who is even next to me because it really does not matter to me as long as it’s not my
Pain…
baby. I will not be happy. So when I think to
As I look in the mirror
myself, I wonder if the picture that is clued in
I can see the tears rolling down on my face
my head would come true. And now I’m ask-
I’m looking so sad and angry
ing you, would it? Will I ever get the chance to
Breeanna is nice to me sometimes.
feel my baby, hold my baby, feel her next to me
She helps me when I’m mad.
again. And as I pray, God tells me: yes, you will.
I think she is so pretty. She tried to help me get on level. We smile at each other and I like her because she is kind to me.
Onicka C.
Vanessa S.
Charma M.
Who Are You?
Mom
Genie
Optional Life
Look at me
Mom, I’m sorry for hurting you. Do you forgive
She is beautiful, strong and inspiring. She
It’s amazing
who do you see
me? I cry every night, thinking about you. I
inspired me to be strong as a woman. She is
the way stories can come out in rhymes
When I look at you
just wish I can be with you. I want to go home
filled with love and passion. She has an amazing
I see another me
with you again. I want to have a good relation-
mind for thinking and a loving part of her soul.
Also amazing
but I’m younger
ship with you and work things out with you.
She made me feel high when I felt low. It feels
are the events that occur in one’s lifetime
Who are you
I love you so much, Mom.
like I’ve known her my whole life. She helped me
Onicka C.
with my strife. Now, at night, I don’t cry. I smile
did you live my life were you in my shoes You’re my Mother aren’t you You’re the one who couldn’t take care of me but you call yourself my Mother Where is my Father is he a low life, too Where is here I say I waited for this day I don’t know how your life is but I know how’s mine and I got one question why?
Moms are your friends who help you when you’re in need Moms tend to your needs and teach you to say please parents often say that Moms know best but us as kids always second-guess we are taught to be obedient and listen
She makes the sun come out when it rains. Genie,
now it’s backwards
you are my Guardian Angel. You saved me from
you’ve taken a sinful misstep
Satan. You brightened my day up with the beauti-
Now you’re confused
ful heavens above. You are that beautiful white
and don’t know what to do
dove. You filled my heart up with love. Thank you
You know not what future lies ahead of you
so much for helping me through my pain. Now I’m on the road to happiness. I’m in the right
You had two options:
lane. Thanks for everything. You will always stay
Do good or do bad
in my heart. You will always be my other part. You didn’t have much to lose
crying and glistening
change my life and become a better person.
no Mom nor Dad
Moms try to help us and get us out
Jakira C.
but you had brothers and sisters
but we end up in jail
they always got our back Moms tell us to go right
Grandma
we go left
Grandma, I love you and I really admire you.
little do we know
Grandma, I know you really miss me, too.
there are people planning our deaths
Grandma, I can’t wait to come home.
You need a shoulder?
Moms see it coming
Grandma, I really tried to call you on the phone.
and try to stop it
Grandma, you really is a mentor to me.
but life is destiny
Grandma, I know you wish I was free to be me.
and there’s no way to block it
I know you know that I really look up to you
Anonymous
and I love the way you smile and smell.
You need some comfort? I’ll be there. Need someone to talk to? I’ll listen. Need a helping hand? I’ll be glad to help. Need to tell a secret? My ears will listen. Need someone to see your pain? My eyes work perfect. You need a great audience? I got two hands. You need someone responsible? I got enough. Need a place to stay? I got plenty of room.
Jacqueline B.
you loved so dearly You would make one suffer
You Need I’ll be there.
You were once so sweet
Thank you so much, Genie. You inspired me to
no doubt
Alexandra
with happiness because Genie has granted my wish. My wish was to get away from my pain.
Moms
You go from a baby to a child to a full adult
You really make me happy when I am sad. Grandma, I just wish that you could have an opportunity to come and see me and be with me. Every night when I go to sleep, I pray the Lord your soul to keep. Grandma, I really admire you. Love always, your granddaughter
Breeanna T.
for hurting their feelings Don’t forget you had an aunt and a grandmother too! You still loved them even if they made you miserable They may make you suffer they may make you hurt No matter what happens show them love in return
about
identity I am a lion. Brown as a brick. I eat other lions. I play with my food. I can hunt. I can fight. I am a lion.
Darius D. Forgive them the way God would forgive you Love them the way God would love you If they’re ungrateful after you’ve given your all Hand it over to God Know that it’s not your fault
Maurice W Untitled
H.I.V. Thought
Looks Can Be Deceiving
In Praise of the Body
In Praise of the Body
Her eyes shine like a diamond in the rough
Praise my head because
I praise my head because
I wished I was just having fun
even though her life is rough
I’ll think of a way to
it’s big but
but I thought
save one’s heartbeat
inside my big head
the new life for me
from being dead
there’s a big brain
had just begun
She keeps her head high up She smiles with grace to hide her pain
At the time
He kisses you and Praise my feet because
I praise my hair because
tells you what’s right
Her heart beats fast
I’ll walk on them for justice
even though it’s short
You fall in love
when she sees visions of her past
even if they’re red
I know I’m still beautiful
and let him get it at night
when they look at her
Christina Newby
At first I praise my vocal cords because
it was all fun and games
when she looks in the mirror
I know my voice is deep
until outta nowhere
She sees an ugly beast
but that makes me a good speaker
you feel strange
Free to Be Me
I praise my feet because
He mushes you up
even though they are not the prettiest
Free to be me
and says
they are still mine
Being free is an opportunity
we need to talk
I praise my spirit because
Being free is like
You think it’s no problem
that’s what god gave me
and you look at the clock
Norkeisha W.
10 pm
They see a beautiful girl
They can’t feel the pain she hides They don’t see the nightmares she fears at night She is begging for God’s light She is tired of the fight She is fighting a war she can’t win She begs dear Lord to forgive her
getting your act together Being free should be forever Being free to be me
as a friend He sits you down
for her sins
I feel free when I have support I feel free when I am comforted
I’m a Beauty
They don’t understand her
I feel free when I ignore negativity
Oh yeah, I’m a beauty
I feel free when I help in the community
but so uptight.
because they haven’t walked in her shoes She feels like she can never win but always lose
Yeah, I’m grown Being free to be me
and live on my own.
Being free to be me
Confident, independent and intelligent
It’s like I can never get free
But so gosh damn
get her worries and pain
I feel like I messed up
conceited with so many
Me, myself and I
retarded reasons.
She doesn’t know what sober is
life
Only 19 years old.
She consumes drugs to for-
All she knows is how high she lives She is tired of her life She wants to give up and quit She is tired of all the bullshit It’s hard for her to continue without pain It’s killing her to feel sorrow every day
By Jakira C.
Got 2 kids. Imagine me being free
Raised them on my own.
Imagine me being blind
Francesca R.
but still doing me Imagine me growing up from my childhood Imagine me growing up in the ghetto hood Being free to be me I love always
maybe he just needs an ear
I’m sorry I look at him and say Tonarie He wishes he never hurt me but he just ain’t clean I look at him and say I’m seventeen He said alright He thought it’ll slow me down I say it’s cool It’s pretty clear now He didn’t say a type so now it’s up to me I say I’m blind Damn right I should have seen Especially living clean until seventeen But for now I think I have H.I.V.
Anonymous
My Hood I’m from my hood It means a lot to me as the mystery man could see My hood is where I stay How I live could make me change Why is it that my hood could pull me away? What I’m good at in my dreams could be distorted because of my hood so I make it better It’s like what the mystery man could see The first Lady President of my hood So I say I could change
and tells you what’s real
to make it better
never realizing
as loyal as me
what he’ll reveal
I’d create it
In my head
as God created me
I think he’ll probably say he loves me and he wants to keep things real So I look at him and my heart squeals He looks into my brown eyes as I look back He tells me don’t be mad or don’t cry and be sad I think this is the end What happened with him needing a friend? I put my head down thinking crazy things Not knowing
Breeana T.
whatever he’s about to bring He lifts my head and says
In Praise of the Body
Bryara J
Praise my head because I can move my neck Praise my feet because I can wear shoes
Scar of Life
Praise my nose
That came from when I fell down the
because I can smell
stairs and my arm caught in the gate.
Praise my spirit
That’s from where I ate something too
because I can believe
hot and my body began to shake.
Praise my backbone
When I was 5, I was jumping in the bed and
because I can move my back
was stopped before I was going to get hurt
Praise my legs
with something metal with a cord and hot.
because I love to walk
Hey look, that one there, that scar came from
Praise my arms
when I was chasing my cousin and my hand hit
because I can touch
the door and 7 days later, it became a scar.
Vernadine H.
Hey, look at this scar...it came from when I was chasing my cousin and my hand broke the glass to the door.
Jasma L.
Where I’m From
Pain in my Life
Being from the Eazy Greazy
Get away
where everything ain’t easy
you ugly
Hatred
unfriendly pain
dishonesty
I don’t want to go
mostly no loyalty
with you
with my new best friend who rhymes with happy a friend you could never be again
Jasma L.
Scars
Marks and Scars
That where I got scratched
Marks and scars
because I opened my big mouth
everywhere I look
thinking I was tough
How did they get there?
at the time
Could it be
Too bad now
through my mind
as much as it hurts and it feels like I’m stuck in a maze
Shambreya B.
Everyone just doing themselves
no longer
got a scar on my bright yellow face
body
Children being disobedient
You were the head and
That’s where I was stabbed at
or maybe my soul
In Praise of the Body
Parents being dopeheads
I was the feet
but I couldn’t be
Praise my head and face
No more being the follower
Who am I?
again because of my mouth
crackheads
I opened it too soon
getting old
because they describe who I am
or alcoholics
while you lead me
Who am I?
saying stuff to guys
Scars on my arms
Praise my feet
All bad times
I’m tired
Just other black brother
Nope.
scars on my back
because they help me
is what I would call it
of trying to prove myself
Who am I?
Shouldn’t have.
my body is aching
walk and run
Fighting
to you
Somebody’s son and somebody’s big brother
Blood gushing from my thighs
my soul is shaking
Praise my nose
arguing
Get out
Who am I?
now
my mind is gone
because it makes me smell
and more
Get out!
To the police
That’s not right.
but where did all the pain come from?
all the good breezes of life
Why not just leave
Take your bags
I am just another n******
That’s where I fell flat
Is it that I have been hurt
Praise my backbone
just walk out the project door
and leave!
on the streets
on my stomach
so many times
because it lets me bend
100’s of dealers
Don’t even think
but to my Mom
knocked the wind outta me
that the sun will never shine
and stand tall as a tree
jailbirds and killers
about asking me
I am her 16-year-old son
Why?
or is it the hurt I have seen
Praise my hands
All living in the same environment
for a place to stay
Who am I?
A boy
with my eyes
because I can do
Ford Heights ( Da Eazy Greazy)
Leave me alone
I don’t know
in love
that makes me so blind
some pretty cool signs and
That’s where I’m from
Leave me alone
but I know I have a short temper
desperate.
to what the world
I can grab what I need to be me
If you wanna try to
alone
so irritate me
Yeah, dat was me
really looks like?
Praise my ears
come...
alone
and I will explode
jumped out
Did it come from the abuse
because I can hear
Akilya H.
No more hiding
verbally
my Momma calling me
My Soul My Soul shall rain My Soul runs free My Soul is my shadow My Soul feels me My Soul is dark My Soul dies My Soul never lies My Soul never leaves me in demise If you did not know, your soul is a concept of your spiritual being.
Herbert T.
like an M80
my third floor building
while you seek
Now I look back.
mentally
Praise my arms
You told me life was long
Who am I?
What a shame.
and physically
because I can reach for the Lord
and I believed you
That’s where I was
or the hurt I have seen
So praise me
and now you
at a moment
with my eyes
like you praise God!!!
short from me Move out
Jonathan B.
I was desperate
that makes me
silly
so bling to who people really are?
move out
and stupid
So much so
screaming and yelling
Yeah, dat was me.
that I cannot trust
and bossing me around
Francesca R.
love or get close to
like you’re my Mom
because I am so worried
For I am happy now
about what they are going to do
and you are destroyed
or if they’re going to leave
Your world is down
But it might just be
and mine is up
in my head
Sleep away
The hurt
sleep away...
the pain
For tomorrow
and the stress
would be for me
I can’t handle this mess
a new day
I see the scars
Started over
as long as they are
started over
I feel the pain
Jasma L.
Who am I? I’m the definition of real and that’s everything I feel or do because I can’t afford to be fake because every step I take is monitored closely been under surveillance since I was young a poor man’s son so you know some of the things I’ve done were wrong in the eyes of the law but if you saw half of what I been through you’d break the law too and yeah I kept a tight crew who was down for whatever anytime anywhere we ain’t care get beside you in the lane aiming at your brain no, it ain’t fair but this is warfare we living in I’m just in it to win Wouldn’t matter if you was my kinfolk or just another gutter young rider me? I’m your worst night mare put you in the hospital give your mama one hell of a scare but at the same time I’m just me so let it be and we go our separate ways someone once told me ‘don’t throw no stones in the water won’t be no waves’ So I’ve tried to keep from the long sweep of the grim reaper but it’s hard because the further in you get the more the terrain gets steeper and I just wish I could sprout my wings
sometimes I feel wrapped up and surrounded and I drowned it was all too much so could you blame me or shame me I hope not and though I been through it all every day every year that’s 365 I’ve managed to stay alive and still I struggle and strive for what I want so the only font my life could be written in is the pain and maybe when the time is right I’ll tell it to the world how I used to rob steal and kill for real but no matter what I done Mama always had love for her first-born son. Or how I used to just kick it in the hood all day til about three in the morning then home I come yawning life was on a slow roll for me but moving fast-paced to my family while they sat back to see me turn into a G_A_N_G_S_T_A so when I sit back ask the question who am I? I got to say it could never be explained that easy you’ll have to see me in action because I’m the one the only
and fly off the edge but fear of the unknown keeps me grounded
Samuel S.
Bargaining Chip I’m tired of seeing my homies locked up or dead indicted under federal law you know what I tell him I’m tired of what I saw
give me an escape route
so many times before
and I’m out
I wish we could just find peace for the day
he pull back and tell me look to the word
where I’m from
but I don’t understand
we all got one thing in common
and so what can I do
we’re all young
when even the heavenly Father
brown
can’t help me out this hole
poor and every time
I guess I’m going to just have to keep on living
we walk out the front door
with one foot in the grave
it’s wartime
and one foot out
same mind frame
and just hope things work out
“I got mine, so you get yours” It’s like we still animals down on all fours you cross me I’m going to bite
I had my own teacher tell me
about
redemption
that the way I’m living all I could hope for is death then I told her well, if that’s true how about you helping me get straight she told me flat out
Yeah, that’s right
“don’t make me waste my breath”
I’m going to fight
Escape Route
for my share
Man, these people
So now that you understand
as sure as the sun will shine
just don’t know what it’s like
how I got misdirected
you gon’ let me
or how I used to fight
to the worst possible route
get what’s mine
to keep myself above water
and how it was just for me
or feel the burn of my nine
what was expected it’s like we straight lamb
so on and on
Must I repeat myself
being sent to the slaughter
I went undetected
maybe spell it out
shit’s crazy
until they found something real
can you see it
you ain’t even safe
to put this brown male
why we live like this
with a full clip
in a jail cell
this shit got me so pissed
for life
that I said fuck it
I swear on my life
and risked my life
I’m tired of living in this bullshit
so here I am
for nothing
got the pastor in the pulpit
trapped up
calling me the culprit
all because
Oh so you thought
speaking out on my dealings with the devil
I got wrapped up
I was bluffing
everyday he say
in their misinformation
Nope
that someday
of my demonstration
I really meant it
I’m going to have to pay
Samuel S.
and my life I spent as a bargaining chip
Sam
Father Why
Flawlessly Flawful
Understand Me
Never Give Up
I Wish I Had/If Only
Where I Am
My soul speaks a pain
My hair doesn’t always stay in place
People judge me
When you’re about to give up
I wish I had millions of dollars
Where I am is a place
I cannot name
and sometimes I trip and fall
by the mistakes
and just about to fall
I wish I had a lot of hair
where most people would rather not be
Burning deep within
I’m not super skinny
I have made in the past
Just know that you have to catch yourself
I wish I had someone who cares
All the crackheads
a flame that’s black
and I’m not all that tall
They are fast to say something
and have to stand up tall
I wish that everyone in this world would be fair
and homeless people I see
From emotions I packed
I’m good at getting attitude
to break me down
Only because you made a mistake
I wish I wish I wish
away
and I know how to start a fight
Now I look down with a sad frown
doesn’t mean you haven’t learned
And the questions unasked
Sometimes I pick out arguments
I wish I was treated like a queen
You actually gained more
If only I had a mother and no other
is a place filled with dreams
leaving me like a glass
even though I know that I’m not right
I won’t hesitate to rock the crown
than what you lost
A mother who will make me go further
that will come true eventually
When I look in the mirror
and much more was earned
If only I had
Half full or half empty
Where I am
and I simply want to break down and cry
I’m full of imperfections
I see an ugly beast
You earned wisdom and courage
If only I had a family to be there
Where I am
but instead I suck it up
but my personality can never be called dull
I hate that they hate me
the most important things
to support me
is on the corner of Independence
give a heavy sigh
It shines like a star
cause I’m me
you could ever know
to help
where every time
look up to the sky
flaws only making me more beautiful
They take away my freedom
Just think about
to teach me how to love
you walk out the door
and whisper
and throw away the key
when you have thought
I would sit up
you have to be on your defense
“Father why?”
So maybe sometimes
I know some day
to have stooped so low
and play with some doves
only if people would have common sense
Samuel S
I don’t listen
I got a lot of potential
People give up so easily
outside
leaving out important details
but I don’t
but you know it’s not the right thing to do
under a tree
that I miss
I doubt myself
God is always by your side
because the people I love
caring and also watching you
If only I was at home
cause if it wasn’t for the mis-
Hypnosis
Where I am is where I want to be
Changes take place everyday
Or maybe sometimes
doubt me
So whatever happened
free to be and do me
takes and misery I see
Changes depend on what you say
my whole mind
I wish I could run away from my misery
forget about it
If only if only
I wouldn’t be able to claim victory
Is the choice right or wrong?
falls into a mental abyss
I wish I could stop the rush of my veins
leave that in the past
I wish I had every thing above
I wish I just stayed in the right lane
Don’t worry
and someone to love
Brittany K.
Breeanna T.
Go wit your boys or write a song
But I realize that I am not perfect
Why do I feel like my life will al-
about something you can’t change
The decision is up to you
and this is how I feel
ways stay the same
but what you can
I’ll live another day
so make it last
You should try to be just
Real girls ain’t perfect
and cry another tear
So know you’re never alone
Day by Day
Think about the guy before you bust
and perfect girls ain’t real
I wish I could run away
there are other people, too
Living day by day
from all of my fears
So never give up
praying I don’t go back
Try to envision what you do
Does he have children? Does he have a wife?
I’m comfortable with myself
If I had the strength
because you’ll always make it through
to the old me because
How can we kill him
and I am proud when I say
I would pick myself up once again
if I do
if he has a life?
I am flawlessly flawful
without doubt
Raquel R.
Why are we so strange?
and I wouldn’t want it any other way
I wish someone positive
where I hated to be
We all just need a change
Kristina J
could lead me to the right route
Can’t remember the last time
Jakira C.
Moms was proud of me
We grow up in the wrong places
I’m going to end up
We worship all the wrong faces
made some wrong turns
We are in a hypnosis
hopefully she won’t judge me
Moving too fast to focus
I’m trying to get back to my life got plans to be better
Osvaldo C.
gonna start fresh and rise to success in my life It’s gonna be the day when I’m finally released going to take life serious with my second chance to walk these streets
Ramon S.
What It’s Like to be a Smart Girl It starts with me being open-minded but I have a mother who’s so dumbfounded I always wanted to be challenged but can’t cause I live with so much violence My mind is a terrible thing to waste I try to entertain it in an increasing pace Book after book Day after day When is my mind going to get enough knowledge to stay? I think I should pray and have faith cause I know that my mind is a terrible thing to waste
Tatyanna E.
I am Love
Being in the Streets
With All I Been Through
Last Night...
Peace
Being in the streets
With all I been through
Last night
A friend
not knowing what it’s gon’ be
You see why
I said no...
Someone important
crying out for love
I act the way I do
A child of God
but no one could hear me
no changing me
to the lies
If you try
to the drama
you better change
to the little demon in my head
You.
no to your thoughts
Someone with feelings A thinker
So I turned to gangs
A dreamer Important to someone
At least
Full of life
they cared
A worshipper
no to your heartbreaks Been in some tough s**t
no to the games you play
but still living 2 tell about it
A girlfriend
Putting myself
tried 2 stop but you can’t
Last night
A best friend
in dangerous situations
only could get like me.
I said no...
Somebody’s child
wanting to get
A believer
a good reputation
A fan
I do it 4 myself
to the nightmares
and forget everybody else
to the drugs to the unfit behavior
A member
But all that changed
hating just makes me stronger
One in a trillion
when my brother passed away...
and glad 2 be the guy I am.
A star
why?
Special
no to my childish ways Love yo’ self 2 the fullest
no to my childish thoughts no to the feeling of being lost.
Royalty
I tell myself
and nothing could ever stop
Real
maybe now it’s time
You.
Most of all, I am ME.
to get out of the game
Last night Thought I wouldn’t make it
FORGOTTEN
But I stop and think
I was wrong
UNWANTED
they all there for me
just cause I’m alone
HURT
they won’t be
I still stand strong.
PISSED THE HELL OFF
if I leave
Anonymous
I said no... Jacqueline B. Reap What You Sow
I DON’T KNOW LONELY
Plus my pride and soul
WHY ME
goes out
LOST
to my bro
DARK
but then again
SHARP PAIN
where is this leading me?
MY HEAD HURTS
Fu*k fame and fu*k the game
SICK TO MY STOMACH
I’d rather be here
BLOATED
than in jail or dead
I’M READY TO GIVE UP.
Jessica R.
to deliver a message from God He told me that my future was so bright that I would need sunglasses I have nothing to worry about if I put everything in His hands
Monique
New Day/Helping Hand
them words Only I should have listened when she told me instead of just saying I heard her Man, it seems like them words mean a lot to me Reap what you sow is taking away me being free I guess a lot of people reap what they sow in this world Not just me people parents grandparents boys and little girls Reap what you sow where those words come from? I told her I should have listened I’m talking about my Mom
Jasma L.
Every new day brings a chance to do things in a new way so eyes forward forget past occurrences if not you’ll lose the idea of what endurance is The present is the now in which we stay The past is what we threw away and the future isn’t here yet Well, that is to say it’s exactly what we make it So when you see opportunity you can take it Never leave a brother of the struggle behind Keep it in your mind that if you lend a helping hand you may never need one
MY BACK HURTS
But an angel came to me last night
“Reap what you sow”
My Mama used to tell me
Samuel S.
Untitled today we lost a soldier the streets took the upper hand the devil said life is in demand so them gutter guys reached out and touched him I was sorry to hear but I told him what was up so I can’t help but let him go now though a tear will fall down my cheek I’m still mad at him cuz he was weak I mean I told him every time we would speak I thought I told him right but I guess I was wrong he couldn’t see what I saw and so God’s word is law so now he’s gone no tragic song to explain the feeling just his mother struggling with her pain while she look to the ceiling saying
“Father, why? I know he was dead wrong but Father why he have to die?
R.I.P. Baby Kaper Gee
please bring him back”
So Many Days Lost
nope
With so many days lost
never going to happen he gone forever his Mom’s heart is in the coldest weather and as for his brothers not 1 but 2
and so many thoughts my life is at a pause because the state has a cost
they true
So many tears shed
so I know it’s wartime
that’s really sad
especially after seeing Momma crying I know somebody dying some time soon so until then keep the double 4s loaded because its killa season what’s reason you already let’em know
from loved ones
Praying I can be free and once again walk the streets Only this time I’m a changed man forget all the pain I seen and forgotten all the pain I did
Ramon S
Behind Brick Walls Sitting down behind brick walls. Once a week I make a call. No one to pick up the phone.
about
being in jail A Gun This isn’t for fun. This is a gun. Don’t touch it. Run from it. The hollow tip bullets don’t tickle. They hurt. They rip through a shirt or they can even merk A.K.A. kill. Damn, don’t that give you chills? A quarter century behind bars in a little cell depending on mail. It isn’t the gun killing. It’s stupid people using guns to kill!
Anonymous
All I Do Is Think I’m in my room thinking thinking about what I did. Saying to myself why?
get locked up? How did I get locked up? I’m in my room late at night thinking about my Mom and wishing she would understand and give me another chance. She was my age and she still don’t know how I feel keep doing the things you do you going to be locked up
When I was out on the street
wishing you was at home.
I was young and bad
But back to me...
Now I’m locked up
My Mom just wants what’s right for me
ain’t that sad?
and when I get out
What else could I say?
I’mma do what’s right.
I couldn’t be glad
Jonathan B.
I was thinking about the future but I remembered the past What else could it be? Could I be mad? All angry and fired up ready to blast? or could I go back into the past and change my life?
Andrew R.
I try and try to figure what’s wrong. Counting the bricks while I sing a song not realizing what I have done. Accepting responsibility had just begun. Now I’m sitting in a cell while the girls are raising hell. Try me and you will see that living in a cell is not the way to be.
Alexandra R.
Why did I
but what my Mom told me was
Another Chance
Figure no one’s home.
Black Men We as young black men need to wake up. Wake up and see what they are doing to us. They continue our cases to keep us here. The way I see it is you need a paid lawyer to get up out of here. Young black boys like me get killed in drive-bys shoot-outs wars and we can’t help it. It’s just a cold world but to me life is like a dream. I’m spending time in jail. I spent my last birthday in jail. This is not a place to be.
Jonathan B.
Change
Doing Hard Time
Change is something that happens
Being in here
from time to time
is what you call hell
Young boys
locked in these cold dark cells
out there on the streets
A moment of freedom
trying to get on the grind
we do not see
Saying they need money
five minutes of air
so they can shine
is what we breathe
Posted on the block
Didn’t blame it on the victim
with a bundle and a nine
or the suspect
No need to hustle
is what he supposed to be
because your mother loves you
just blamed it on me
When you’re out on the street
Ok I did it
she’s always thinking of you
I confess
When they buddy says
but it wasn’t that bad
I’m about to shoot
to go through this stress
and they say
Doing hard time is what it be
me too!
Cold food and raw meat is what we eat
Most young boys are incarcerated
Getting told when to sleep
facing 6 to 30 or
and how long to shower
25 to life
The minutes go past like hours
All because
Living with all these girls
he stabbed dude with that knife
taking they sh*t
Trying to show off for old girl
This is not me
who claims to be his wife
I can’t do this
but now doing this time
Doing hard time
ain’t nothing nice
all alone
Just because
Not knowing when I’ll go home
you wanted to live the fast life
It’s hard in here
In the penitentiary
locked in a room
everyday is strife
between a thousand bricks I need my freedom
You got to shank someone
I am ready to go
just to get by
I can’t take it no mo’
Telling all the guys in there
Living by they laws
when you was out
obeying by they rules
and it’s a lie
Can’t take a piss when I choose
but just try and do right
I will never be in CCJTDC again
so you can go home
We are their property
and see the light
They get all the revenge
Johnathan D.
Jail is hard Jail is rough You’ll be in here after one big f*ck up A old body is what they call me but I consider myself different
nor is these niggas They sit back and clown you to they friends. doing hard time like in the pen Yeah, that’s it I never wanna do hard time again
Demetria R.
Untitled Always up on it couldn’t catch me snoozing Cousin Lynette who’s now resting in peace told me “you snooze, you lose”
This Morning I Woke Up
and “be up on it”
This morning I woke up
Cousin Hector told me
thinking I was in my own bed “Time to wash up!” is what the guard said I opened my eyes and realized I was stuck between two brick walls and that this was not home at all This morning I woke up I decided that I wasn’t going to sleep no more I’m tired of waking up in jail so now I’m restless and starving for a taste of freedom This morning I woke up and asked myself “who put me here?” I answered “me” then I asked “where do I want to be?” I answered “wherever God needs me.” This morning I woke up and read the Holy Koran It said “One finds himself where it is easiest for him to solve his Problem.”
“you gotta be a soldier” but brother-in-law told me “being low key is the way to be” even though he told me “you don’t wanna bang” Wasn’t smart in school but I was a square head smoking packs a day and when the first time inhaling the weed Miss Mary Jane was my need First time drink was a wine cooler then it was cocaine That was the doer Pistol packin locked and loadin G-unit all I was claimin… Now I’m locked up for 2 and half years fighting a serious case I was always running but now no escape I was thinking no way out so I’m left in the ocean to drown Ever since I’ve been sitting here I’ve accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and now I’m nearer to Him then ever
You should never wanna be in my position These girls is not yo friends
Chaseton W.
In all the wisdom, knowledge,
and understanding I got
I’m not gonna whisper
I’m more clever then ever
I’m gonna burst
They say it’s the white men
Cursed since birth
I should fear
but now a new creature in Christ
but its my own same kind
clean from wickedness and evil
doing all the killing here
devil isn’t my friend
Man, it’s just so painful
He’s a liar
to see my family
So devil
leave the visiting room
I retire from the GAME My name’s the same
I just break down…
but my mind ain’t
I just have to keep running the race
My mentality changed
like it says in Philippians 3:14 So the old me is gone I was sixteen
because a new person
coming in a place
will be at the house
that got me cool and calm
God knows all things he got my spouse
It may seem I’ve been here long but no
If I was to trade a story I wouldn’t
My time went by fast.
because it’s who I am
My time has come.
it was my choice and God made me
February 23rd will be the time that I would soon depart
Sixteen
I’m ready in my mind
charged as adult
but I don’t think in my heart
It wasn’t no one’s fault I was just young
I wonder what it will be like
thuggin and lovin the streets
entering the world
smoking and drinking hard liquor
I know it’s gonna feel good
got me to God quicker
I’m gonna feel like a newborn baby and my choices are gonna be for sure
Now if you see me
not maybes
you wouldn’t even picture
God
FEBRUARY 23rd WILL BE THE FUTURE.
I see you as LORD of LORDS
David A.
Not MORE of MORES KING of KINGS Not THING of THINGS I seek your KINGDOM first
Gangs Locked Up When gangbangers locked up they be cool with they worst enemy even the ones who made their head bleed Do we see it or try to ignore it? I experienced it myself It happened cuz we in jail Some say we soft or maybe lost but naw It isn’t lack of balls It’s just because we relate
A Message to the Youth A lot of road to drive doesn’t even seem like you were alive! That’s exactly like my mind! Either you cop out or you think you gonna win without a doubt! Motion after motion month after month sitting incarcerated No freedom. Don’t even want to go through this!
Humberto G.
Hope
It isn’t as easy as it seems
It’s dark where I am
if you know what I mean
and I cannot find the light
sleeping behind bars
There are shadows all around me
having real good dreams
and my heart is full of fright everyone is cheerful
Not knowing if you leaving
they never even see
dead or alive
that storm clouds are forming
so your mother cries
upon the peaceful sea
You’ve been in this place
I cannot see the future
a couple of times
and I cannot change the past
but the judge says no more tries
but the present is so heavy I don’t think I’m going to last
Next step is Cook County jail but you shouldn’t be surprised
Kendell H.
Deep down
Thinking about when you were on the bricks
I’m Innocent
we are related
saying
Life Will Be Tough
man, this smell makes me sick
Many people say they innocent,
Others try to instigate it
Life will be tough
even try to humiliate
if you don’t believe to change
Now you say
Life will be tough
I want to go home
Me?
That’s the truth
if you don’t receive the change
but you don’t get to pick
I do
That’s life
Life will be tough
yet some still on bullsh*t
from now til then
Out there with the older guys
I wasn’t there
trying to be slick
I didn’t shoot dude
I do admit
but do they mean it?
I do sometimes too
Life will be tough
I just wish this time would fly
I was at home
but that’s life!
if you try to deceive
is all you think
yes that sounds like once in a blue moon.
Life will be tough Humberto G.
because you feel like you’re going to descend
Not knowing you’ll be home as soon as your eyes blink
Guilty till Proven Innocent The system is crooked Guilty until proven innocent is how it seems
I never was inside until this
Life will be tough if you don’t forgive yourself
Man, you ain’t never leaving
Life will be tough
all the other dudes tries to jinks
if I don’t try something new
but then you tell the guys
6 to 30
but life will be tough
my boat going to float
come on
because being locked up
as ya’ll going to sink
what a journey
never crossed my mind
should not be something I have to do Many people’s dreams are to go home from an adult charge
Kenneth L.
So before you do wrong
I was at the house
think about the consequence
with my Moms
then maybe next time The age 14 to 16
you’ll stay away from nonsense
Dude also pointed me out
this is what I mean
Anonymous
I wanted to shout but without a doubt
They hold you till trial like driving millions of miles
what goes around comes around!
like the energizer bunny I’ve been locked up since June 07
I keep going and going
I even remember what time I was locked up
I have to confess
at 11:00 That’s why I’m innocent
on my worst day I couldn’t be
Well guilty until proven innocent!
compared to the rest
Humberto G.
Of these guys that front and tell me these lies
Incarcerated
they could never compare and like up to those cries
Incarcerated you have to keep hope
Anonymous
like a drug dealer keeps dope It might seem hard but be patient because just like it came
JTDC
it’s over
F*ck JTDC
and you can live on
it’s a sh*thole
as a man
if you ask me
not a fallen soldier It’s what I make it See now
and it’s all that I see
I can actually say that I told ya and I been through it
The staff talk like
so never say I didn’t show ya
they’re for you when only they take
I wish I would have learned earlier
and don’t care for you
that things you do stick with you People tend to play favorites Depending on the severity
until someone goes crazy
it can sick with you
and someone gets hit
I think I’m a hop
Only thing they want
jump skip
is to get rid of you
from the best
and send you away
Brothers want to see me
but I’ll survive
drip blood and show fear
as long as I see another day
so they give me the test
cuz when I’m down I’ll find a way
My mind is impenetrable like a bulletproof vest
Anonymous
Locked Up
R.I.P.
Damn man!
May you all
What the f**k?
Rest.In.Peace.
How could I be here? Damn!
To all my friends
These tears that come out of my eyes
even just the ones I knew
And then I laugh and walk away I guess that you can say that this isn’t the life you want but when you are going down the wrong path God helps you change yo life around and get you on the right path.
By Taijana T.
Life of Crime
A Day in This Crazy Place
Please Don’t Take Our Freedom
I once had a life of crime
First, I wake up to the sound of some-
Please don’t take our freedom from us. As
Just chillin
one screaming my name.
we lay in the place that took our freedom,
drinking and getting high
So startled at that moment, I
all we want is to be able to see the outside
Posted up like a light post
don’t know what to do.
and spend time together and do things that
Talking on the phone
Then I try so hard to push myself out of bed
we can’t do in here. I just wish me and Van-
in our own codes
but I can’t cause I’ve been up since 5am.
essa will get our freedom back again.
All this pain and hurt I feel
now you up there somewhere
doesn’t even matter anymore
with the stars and moon
Cursing in our Chevy Blazer K5
Moms wants me locked up
I’ve been locked up since last June
ready to ram
Then, when I do decide to get up, I’m frus-
Please don’t take my friend as she sheds
and doesn’t want to let me get right
Now my friends
Damn, I thought I was cool
trated because I’ve come to find out that
her tears. I feel her pain as she weeps
“B**ch, you ain’t going to bust a move”
can’t see the flowers bloom
thought I was a goon
I can’t even brush my teeth because I’ve
and sobs and I listen and throb.
“Then do something then”
or even hear the thunder “BOOM”
Now, come to think of it
missed my call for the bathroom.
The s*ht I go through Can’t wait until that day comes
At least ya’ll out of this misery and now only rest in peace
Trying to stay to myself
I miss y’all a lot
just doesn’t work
I knew ya’ll
Getting right just can’t get right
If I didn’t
cuz of all the b.s.
it’s a shame I didn’t get to know ya’ll!
Sitting in my cell just thinking
I was in this place, I didn’t get to see ya’ll face
Damn, these thoughts
before the burial
pain and hurt
at the wake
Phony a** girls
For God’s sake, rest in peace!
just can’t get right
Humberto G.
People sit and laugh wit you but go behind yo back and talk sh*t People tell you to keep yo head up
Where I Am I’m in a situation all alone trying to find my way home
getting used
Next, it’s time for breakfast but what I see
like a tool.
makes me mad because it tastes like dry cotton
Stuck between
I always used to tell the boys
but supposed to be sausage and biscuits.
the midst of
to go get the four-nickels
Dalia B.
Judge Studdley’s palm
Well, that’s how “it” goes
And so on with the day I go. Now I’m in what they
A Cell
always protecting the block
call school, but the programs are so slow that I
Sitting down behind brick walls.
I am a struggling Black sister
keeping it on lock
feel like I’m in what I call daycare, but I never
Once a week, I make a call.
in a terrible, deserted place
I guess I needed to stop
complain because all it’ll do is make me upset
No one to pick up the phone.
Charged with a class x crime
and remind me of how much I hate being here.
Figure to me, no one’s home.
With a gun on my waist
I could be looking at a very long time
I try and I try to figure what’s wrong.
I used to gangbang hard
Now I’m in school, constantly reading papers
Counting the bricks while I sing a song.
in my project home!
stealing cars
after papers, thinking “What’s going on? I mean,
Not realizing what I have done.
breaking hearts
where’s the learning?” But still...I don’t complain.
Accepting responsibility had just begun.
I am trapped in the Greazy
Crime rate
stuck all alone
Now I’m sitting in a cell.
until times get easy
climbing up the charts
Now I’m on my section and I have to ask for
While the girls are raising hell.
had no shame
permission to even scratch my head without
Try me and you will see
Where I am
I had my fame
hearing three people scream “What you do-
That living in a cell in not the way to be.
what I thought
ing?” I mean, cut me some slack. I’ve already
was lame
been forced here against my own will.
tomorrow
turned out to be
Alexis G.
Akilya H.
I’m doing time
is somewhere I hope not to be
what I wanted to do for all the crimes
and stay strong but if they really knew
It could have been worse
how life was for us
I was soon to end up here or in a hearse
They would know why we give up
I feel your pain.
I was a fool
but in my family I guess we cursed
So much time on our hands now
all affiliated
starting to get fed up wit all the b.s.
in the local gang thought it was fun and games,
Girls come back every time they get a chance
until this day
“I ain’t never coming back”
I got to pay
I just look and say
for my life of crimes
“That’s what they all say”
Humberto G.
Alexandra R.
CCJTDC Life The pain that I have no one but me can explain it Living in jail feels like sh*t It went from slanging
My judge is going send me to DOC or 115
Man, I Wish
I always regret for all of this mess I seen blood and seen tears Man, I want to stay out of here.
As I stare out the window See, these streets is vicious
All I see
I wish I had listened
is how the wind blows
if only I can go back
People starting to wear
and find all the things I been missin’.
2 or 3 pairs of clothes
David N.
It’s getting colder
to gangbanging
My granny gave me what I wanted
to liquor and weed.
but I took it for granted
I didn’t have to buy squares
JTDC
because girls is all I need
It is a place where I sleep
I’m the only Asian in the Audy home Man, that’s crazy. I’m at the table looking at my guy’s lady As the girls walk past my section I reminisce All I’m thinking is I’m tired of all this My struggle my pain my freedom taken away Man, I’m not doing a crime again. Yesterday I seen my mother at visitation crying about how she miss me
JTDC It is a place where I eat do time and think Nykia is sittin’ up in JTDC dreamin’ wishin’ thinkin’ beggin’ also pleading wishing I was home instead crying feel like flying sleeping wishing I was drinking the begging to the end of JTDC is a place for people that shouldn’t be
Nykia
Out the Window
Both the weather and the world All I hear
man, I just couldn’t understand
is people getting shot
what life had to offer
Yeah, I hear that a lot
instead of being locked or in a coffin
Is it an evil plot?
with your spirit coughing
Or do we just need to stop?
then you turn rotten then to bones,
Leaves are falling off the trees
then everything you have now
People becoming thieves
is gone
Always having something
then you gonna find yourself in a real home.
up their sleeves
And hopefully that’s heaven
Just for money
or it could be hell
to eat a piece of bread
just sitting and thinking
So they fill people with lead
about how you got down there. It sucks I’m going to heaven
but people want to stay alive
with my father, cousin, uncle, granddaddy,
Anything to survive
and my aunts Ann and Martha. Cars zoom by
This is the last time
Why is dying so easy
They also take away time
I’m in the nation
and death so hard?
Years fly past
in the poem room
Oh my god
Will all us people last?
in the school area
when I get out
So as I’m writing this poem
I gotta get a job
Murder after murder
I reminisce again
get back in school
Us teenagers getting caught
about all the girls I had fun with
and go all over from the start.
and now being charged as an adult
I’m in there for the nation
I wish I had listened
and making rivals head duck
instead of trying to be grown
Facing six to thirty Don’t you think we hurting?
on all these types of missions. that’s all I hear What is this feeling about going to court I think it’s fear
What can I really say? Will we see another day? Or will we be locked up until we lay? I really don’t know All I can do is stare out the window!
Humberto G.
when I was out there slangin’ dope
Boom boom
or get put away
All our life gone away I wish I had listened
All we can really do is wait
lots of things I’ve been missin’.
Continue after continue
Antonio L.
until our trial date Either we go home
If I Were A Color
If I Were A Color...
If I were a color
If I were a color
I would be red
I’d be green because
because that is the color of love and anger.
it describes my personality.
If I were a sound
If I were a sound
I would be the sound of joyful tears
I would be a nice wave
because it brings bright smiles.
of wind on a summer’s day because it describes my attitude.
If I were a season I would be late Fall
If I were an animal
because it’s neutral...
I would be a cheetah
not too hot or too cold.
because they can run far and I would want to get far away.
If I were an animal I would be a winter fox
If I were a time of day
because its white fur is so pure.
I would be night
If I were an animal
Imagine
I would be a dog
how many of us
because dogs are very smart and cute.
don’t get to do home or see the outside
If I were a time of day
Imagine
I would be night
how long
because that’s when I have
you keep going
the most fun.
to court to hear the same thing
If I were a city
over and over again
I would be Chicago
Imagine how
because I love to wander around.
every time someone comes in
If I were a hope
to the CCJTDC
I would want to be freedom
Imagine how many
because I can’t stand being locked up.
people are drowning in the deep, blue sea
Debra Morris
because sometimes If I were a time of day because of the darkened irony.
Imagine
If I were a city
Imagine
how many people
I would be Chicago
Imagine me going out
Imagine imagine imagine
on doing the wrong thing
why all this
Imagine if I really had fangs
is happening in the world
to defend myself
Imagine
Imagine how many times
Imagine
I was supposed to go right
Imagine
If I were a city
because it’s the Windy City
I would be a loud city
and I like to float.
because it makes me feel not so alone. If I were a hope If I were a hope
I would send everybody
I would be a peaceful hope
to heaven
because it is peace that
because I’m a nice person.
would bring us closer.
but I went left Imagine Imagine how
Christina Newby Rainee Shaw
who tried to run for President in the United States
I like to stay in the dark.
I would be midnight’s darkness
Imagine how many people
we all feel up in here
If I Were A Color... If I were a color I would be green because it makes me feel happy inside. If I were a sound I would be breeze because I love to feel the wind smack my face. If I were a season I would be summer because I like going outside and chillin’.
Imagine how many people are going through fear Imagine how many staff care about you Imagine Imagine Imagine how long most of us been here for so many years so many months so many weeks so many days
are suffering from depression
The Man Of My Dreams
I Have a Dream
It is my dream I have a dream that one day all to the man
short people will become tall.
of no one’s dream
I have a dream that one day I will be the
but my own
President of the United States of America. I have a dream that one day I will
I ponder and wonder
give back to my community.
what a man of my dreams look like
I have a dream that one day I will be-
what does he do?
come a professional writer. I have a dream that one day I
Furthermore
will make it to the NFL.
what does he deserve?
I have a dream that one day I will go to
What are his desires and his will?
Ohio State University for ministry.
What does he look forward to?
I have a dream that one day I will have a change of heart.
Can he
I have a dream that one day I will be
is he
a great husband when I get older.
willing to make better
I have a dream that one day my fam-
his present and future
ily will get back together.
than his past? One love A man of my dreams is a man of responsibility and leadership
David Johnson
a person who takes charge and demonstrates self-control He is a man of integrity and is filled with love
I wish I wish I could change overnight. I wish I could be grown with a Master’s degree
Breeanna Taylor He spreads that love
making good money.
to those in need
I wish I can hang with my guys
and those who deserve it
without getting in trouble. I wish everything was free.
He shows a good personality
I wish money wasn’t a problem.
and a sound mind
I wish there is a cure for every disease. I wish…
A man of my dreams is loyal
David Nguyen Impossible
caring
Impossible by life
helpful
or impossible by your mind
and honest
Impossible by man or impossible by time
The man of my dreams also has faults but learns from his mistakes The man of my dreams happens to be pieces of me
Maurice W.
Jacqueline Bright
Imagine Freedom Imagine free dancing not physically but spiritually Free singing with a voice of an angel Only I wish I could see my halo Imagine me free running
about dreams
& memories
Hardcore Streets Hardcore streets Hardcore streets
for President
Messing with that crack cocaine operation
on stage
popos catch you while you sleep
singing a song from heaven sent
Hardcore streets Hardcore streets
Imagine me tasting all the food I enjoy
Playing with somebody’s money
feeling free to be 7 again
makes the whole crowd
to play with all my toys
want to knock out yo teeth No wonder the old lady talking ‘bout
Imagine me and my father
we can’t keep the peace
having a strong relationship Hardcore streets Imagine them
Hardcore streets
slave running free without being whipped
My brothers, my uncles, my nephews at the same plate
See
trying to eat
I don’t have to imagine
So you know
being a free writer
if somebody plays with the fam’s cash
or dancer
my big brother about to grab the heat
The only thing
Hardcore streets
I have to imagine
Hardcore streets
is me being free
Tino
from CCJTDC
Jasma Lane
Dear Little Antonio –
Antonio J.
My name is David J.
When you were coming up you were doing
and today I am going to talk to you about
what was right. But then something changed
teenage gun violence in Chicago. The reason
because you are being around the wrong
why this is a problem is that teenagers are
people. I would like you to be more respect-
killing each other and innocent bystand-
ful and go to school. Stay away from the
ers. They are also ‘killing’ themselves.
wrong people. Don’t sell drugs on the block and run from the cops. Your moms tells you
The shooting victims are not the only
“Whatever you need, I give it to you, long
victims of gun violence; the teenagers who
as you be in school and not out there with
shoot are also “killing” themselves. They
guns. You only got one life, so don’t let the
face years and sometimes decades of life
streets take it away from you. Everybody
in prison. I know because I am here, a
going to miss you if you be locked up. It’s
resident of the Cook County Juvenile Deten-
not cool being behind bars. You need to
tion Center. My peers have been given
be somewhere driving a car. Be somebody
sentences of 100 or even as much as 150
in life, not out there killing people for no
years. When they pulled the trigger, they
reason. I want you to get a job and a lady.”
shot themselves, they shot their futures.
I know people that think smoking weed or other drugs is cool, but it’s not. It kills
What is the best way to address this
your brain and you can die from that. Be
problem? We need to have more pro-
the one in school who is more success-
grams for teenagers and children. Sports
ful. My people never told me that so that’s
programs like football, basketball, and
why I’m taking the time to tell you. When
soccer. Also we should have commu-
I was 7, no one ever told me any advice
nity service learning projects for teen-
about staying out of trouble. It’s like people
agers such as helping the elderly.
from off the street, they always used to tell me be more of a man and tell the truth.
In order to do this, it is necessary that
Never lie. Lying make you less of a man.
adults provide the money. After all, it
One time I got jumped on really bad and
cost more money to lock up children
there wasn’t anyone to help me. I was re-
and teenagers than it does to keep then
ally thinking about hurting the people who
out of jail with programs like these.
jumped on me, but I had to think about my actions before I act because them boys
This is important to all of us because
had guns. I’m not about to lose my life
. . . we are tired of seeing kids killing
over nothing because I got a family. My
each others and we are tired of see-
grandma was there every time I got hurt.
ing our youth getting locked up.
That’s why I love her so much. Now when I got locked up I know she don’t like that
My name is Ronnie B. and today I am go-
my moms never was there. But I still love
ing to talk to you about growing up in the
my mom. When they kick me out of school
hood. Gangs and violence are what runs
my mama tried her best to get me back
the hood. If you want to have the things
in there. She told me, “Don’t let no one
other kids have gangs and violence will
disrespect you because they got to show you
help you get them. Growing up in the
respect to get it.” I was a bad kid grow-
hood is growing up in the wrong place.
ing up but I’m realizing the stuff I did ain’t cool. Now look at me. I’m 14 years young
Young men like me find ourselves in
getting lock up and shot at. I want to live
trouble when all we want is what other kids
my life. I can’t let no one take it from me.
have. Poverty in the hood is the problem. Black children are more than three
Love Always,
themselves. It allows them to self medi-
In order to do this it is necessary that you
The best way to address this issue is
cate, to numb the pain of a turbulent world
help kids like me stick together and help
by giving black and Hispanic teenage
around them. Alcohol use in teenagers can
each other survive rather than shoot at
The best way to address this issue is for
males opportunities to prosper in their
get out of control and lead to death.”
each other. Help us maintain non-violence
us to stay out of the hood, but that is
neighborhoods other than the only op-
not possible, because that is where we
portunity there is – joining gangs and
The best way to address this issue is to
to go into the streets to encourage young
live. We would need permission from
resorting to violence. The best way the
tell people to stop buying alcohol for young
black males to go to school and one day
our parents to leave the hood, but where
community can help is to create after
people. That is not the right thing to do. An-
become someone positive and good.
would we go? Who would we stay with?
school programs and jobs for juveniles.
other way to address this issue is to tell liquor
A community recreation center will give
stores to stop selling alcohol to young people.
white children. Being born in the hood and growing up in the hood is the problem.
and show us how to form groups willing
This is important to all of us because we
In order to do this, it is necessary that you
boys an opportunity to have fun with
help kids like me find ways to get out of the
each other and not to fight each other.
In order to do this it is necessary that
in the judicial system as defendants. Ev-
hood, even if only for a little while, like a
With positive options, they won’t have to
you march around the block where liquor
eryone wants to have a good life.
day. A field trip like we have sometimes in
resort to violence or other criminal activi-
stores sell to young people or where people
school would help. Maybe a camp in the
ties in order to survive or get respect.
buy liquor for young people. Carry signs
don’t want our families and others to be
telling people to stop buying liquor for
woods would help. Maybe something that would let us be safe would help. Maybe
In order to do this it is necessary that
young people. Tell people that the law
going to church would help. Maybe having
parents and community leaders like the
says to STOP! That would help a lot.
Dear Little Larry –
a football team outside of school would
alderman, and state representatives
help. Maybe YMCA sports that did not
and other politicians find the money
This is important to all of us because I
I’m 14 now and I been doing bad. I don’t want
cost $20.00 a month would help. Maybe a
necessary to make this happen. I want
don’t want anybody to develop diseases
you to go through the same things I been
library I could walk to safely would help.
you to write letters to these politicians
from alcohol. I don’t want to lose them.
through. I have been in and out of jail and
Maybe going to school and feeling good
telling them about the problems in our
keep committing crimes. I want you to do
about it would help. I want you to make
community, and telling them to put up
better than I did. I was having guns, fight-
this happen for me and other kids grow-
the money to fix these problems.
ing, shooting, getting shot at, selling drugs. My name is LeShawn C. Today I am go-
When you get to be my age, I just want you
This is important to all of us because
ing to talk to you about the problem of
to do better than I am. I didn’t go to school
it’s wasted potential to have all of these
growing up as a young black male.
that much and when I did go to school I was
ing up in the hood with me. This issue is important because I want to grow up!
young blacks and Hispanics locked up.
fighting, getting suspended, or running the
Black and Hispanic boys need to be de-
The judicial system works on the mistaken
halls. Just do better than I did in school. I’m
My name is Kendall F
fined by something other than their color
belief that all young, black males are a menace
writing this letter to tell you don’t do the same
and I want to talk to you about prejudice
and their gender. I hope that one day soon
to out society. It operates as if young black
things I did. The things I did I could be dead
in the legal system. You’re young, you’re
“you’re young, you’re black, and you’re
males have no self-control and will only end
or in jail for a long time. I was stealing cars
black, and you’re on trial – that’s all the jury
on trial” no longer means you’re guilty.
up in jail or dead because we won’t stop the
a lot, selling drugs at night. When I was 13,
needs. This is a quote from the novel Mon-
violence and go to school and get an educa-
one night I was hanging out with the grown
ster by Walter Dean Myers, this means you
tion. Statistics show that nearly one of every
people trying to steal a man’s car. He came
will be found guilty based on these three
four of the country’s black males in their 20s
out and shot me twice in my leg. I thought I
is behind bars, on parole, or on probation.
was dead. My mom was scared and we prayed
facts, and not the evidence of the case. According to the “Success Network for Black Boys and Men” a black boy born in 2001 has a 1 in 3 chance of going to prison in his lifetime, a Latino boy has a 1 in 6 chance and a white boy has a 1 in 17 chance. This applies to so many black and Hispanic boys, who fit this description today and are in the juvenile justice system, because of the impoverished, and underprivileged communities that these minorities are forced to live in.
My name is Jimmie K. Today I am going to talk to you about teenagers and alcohol. Alcohol wastes your mind. Being drunk makes teenagers do what they really don’t want to do or wouldn’t do if they were not drunk. Alcohol can mess up a teenager’s health. According to Alcohol Abuse and Troubled Teens, “Alcohol gives teenagers the power to express
to the Lord that I can walk again. He blessed The best was to address this issue is for
me. I just want you to do better than I did.
the judicial system and the government
JTDC is not a place to be. You don’t want
systems to start good community activi-
a grown man or a grown woman telling you
ties like basketball and football. We have
what to do in jail. I need you to do better. At
to encourage ourselves and they have to
least you can try to do good. I can’t make you
encourage us. This has to be done so that
change, but by writing this I’m trying to help
our kids and others will be able to live right,
you to see what may happen to you. I don’t
get the proper education and make it in life.
want you to end up in jail. Just promise me you will try to not come in this place. I was young when I did those things that got me locked up. I need you to do the right thing.
times likely to be born into poverty than
Larry Willis
A True Friend
I knew from the moment we met
I’ll never touch another weapon
Sometimes I do crazy things
I don’t fight back
because you never misled me
Meaning of a true friend
that you were the one for me
I’m trying to show you
just to make you mad
because I feel so weak
Anyway
someone who’s there no matter what
Making me laugh
how much I love you
Sometimes you do nothing
My eyes start to leak
I thank you for that wish
just because
making me see
and that everything I say
but still I make you feel bad
My heart seeks
I can repay you in every way
Not what you was
that you were the one to be
in this poem
I might even start a fight
for my soul mate
Now it’s just a fantasy
is true
just so you can yell at me
who loves me
but I’m soon to make that
or is
I hit you and push you around
Never to express my feelings freely
so you can get angry
into reality Jakira C.
Ramon S.
A Story About Taijana
Everyday
I have so much love for you
Taijana is nice
Everyday I wish to see your face
It may be a mister or miss
but I always wondered
So if you feel the same way
but my true friend is a miss
how long this would last
just go on and say
To you, it makes no sense
I love her like a sister
Are we getting too deep
that you’ll be with me
why I do the things I do
She’s there for me
or going too fast?
until the end of our days
But it is only because
no matter what
But my thoughts come to an ease
Johnathan D.
when I hear those 3 little words
I love you with all my heart
Taijana said that my hair is nice
cause if you were here
She writes back quick
I LOVE YOU
If I Could Have Just One Wish …
so I play this game
I tell her every time she is pretty
I’d believe in better days
She answers my calls
spill off her mouth
I would wish to wake up everyday
Only to make sure
She helps me with my work
and doesn’t want to click
My mind going north
to the sound of your breath
that you feel the same
especially math
I remember your smile
but my heart going south Even though I’m facing 6 to 30
I love you shawty
she’ll stick with me
and I’m ready to come home
through the journey
but this time when I do
against my neck The warmth of your lips on my cheek The touch of your warm fingers
I’m never letting go… I’m like her diary
across my skin
Armando C.
she tells me everything
And the feel of your heart
When you yell and get worked up
Taijana is also funny
and how we used to play
it shows me that you care
She makes me laugh every night
but in my mind
Because you wouldn’t let it get to you
and I like talk to her every night
you will always stay
if the feelings weren’t there
I wish she was my sister
I love you so much
I will be a good sister to her
Everyday I wish you were here
and it feels good to know
I love her
but the further I feel from you
that you love me too
but sometimes
just brings me to tears
and when you get mad
I just want to hug her
I tell her, too
How I Feel
but I’m not a fool
Being in jail
it shows
thinking of you
When you put your hands on me
Love,
since you’ve been gone
it’s because of feelings we share
Onicka Carter
I cry every time
Onicka C.
I sing your song
A Love Note
Many also forgot about you
beating with mine Knowing that I can never find
She’s cool as hell
dreaming of all the things
She won’t tell
we can do
anyone other than you
And I do this to you
Now that’s a true friend
Sitting in jail
With your love close to my heart…
just to know that you care
(Dedicated to Beatriz)
for all this time
Babe, I can never ask
Humberto G.
thinking of your body
for nothing more
that feeling with
being close to mine
but for us to forever last
Untitled
It’s been a whole year
and not break apart
Crazy world filled with crazy girls
of me not there
Pick one and keep her like a special pearl
and you with someone else
and she’ll turn out to be your world
is something I can’t bear but I’ll be home soon
near or far
Kristina J
My life has been rough
The love for you
not me
is never-ending
I still remember
Love is Blind
This is the start
when you were on the news
People say we are meant to be
It’s just beginning
but I doubt them all
Never wish to hurt you
They said
My love for you will forever adore!!!
because I’m hurting internally
is what I say
you got shot four times
Wherever I go… But remember I love no whore.
They don’t see the pain he causes me
Always stayed real
Just relax and trust your conscience
and back by your side
But love that one girl that came to me
He locks me down and I want to break free
so why change today?
and stop thinking all that nonsense
and my feelings are something
from the skies from up above
I’m blinded by his abuse
Tell you I love you
I remember it clearly
I won’t be able to hide
a girl named Crystal
I’m blinded by his virile hate
and I mean what I say
cause I thought
I’m writing this poem
who will forever be
My faith is slowly staring to erase
I know in your heart
I would lose my mind
My one
I love him so much
you feel the same way
Anonymous
showing affection
but I don’t understand why
Been away for some time
I thought about you today
All he does is make me cry
when we talk
and the love for you
Me being away this long
I’m really starting to realize that love is blind
you claim
never went away
has taught me a lesson
I know he plays games
everything’s going fine
He is playing with my mind
Believe you when you say it
Forever Love
and me being home with you
The pact we made together
is how you’re going to have protection
was something brought by fate Always knew what was wrong we were always able to relate
so when I come home
true love!!! Anonymous Just to Know That You Care...
My buddy
Robert M.
My girl is my future wife
I want some more
My girl is my life
I hate to see you close the door
Robert M.
you writing me
when I say I trust you
and the air
but only me who feels
I remember the first kiss
What happened till the end
I have to choose
it was like a mist of tears
I lift my head up
Only a real man
and that’s the love I send
can dictate these feelings I have
we shared
or do you not
Starting now
fantasies
You told me once
I will make this plan to love
imagining my love
but I forgot
This for you
you show respect
and trust you for always
having a baby
So tell me now
the one I love
you promised me
friend
Alexandra Rodriguez
Love
I’m writing back
Do you love me My Love
I can’t wait til the day I get you back on the phone
and tell the truth
the one I miss
to keep it wet
and I will say
My feelings for her
So I can tell you
the one I used to always kiss.
loving you is something true
Wishing you were by my side
it’s a proud trade
are deep in the heart
I love you too
You’re my lover and my friend
marrying is what to do
since you left
Just trust me
deeper then my family love
Out of all the females
you’re my woman
you got me smart
wishing that we never break apart
I ever met
I’m your man.
you got me wise
you’re the one
We were always together
you got me to finally open my eyes
By My Side
Love me back
I lost my pride. Holding you that special night
Anonymous This love is so deep
I’ll never forget
making love
I spit my game
Lil Mook
It’s a shame
and if I die
you didn’t mind or care
told no lies
God blessed me
This love is rare
the way my heart beeps
before you do
if I was a thug.
and finally got you
to have you in my life
like DNA or Hair
I’m stuck
I’ll go to heaven
But now
to open your thighs
Who told you to leave my side?
within my life
and wait for you
I’m locked up in here
promised you to provide
Hold me now
anything I can bare
Don’t know what to do
if you not there
with dudes who soft
I just want you to have my child
and make me feel proud
and by your side I will stand
but I’ll never forget
by judgment day
but act tough.
close my son’s eyes
Tell me you love me
faithfully
the thing we did together
But I’ll be home
this twenty-two karat ring
and say it out loud
I swear
to love so deep
I’ll know you went
to kiss those lips
I’m proposing
the other way
and to caress those hips.
might blind his eyes
so I’ll give the angels
So don’t trip
everything that’s yours is mines
back their wings
it’s just a vacation
and you very smart
and take the risk
going back and forth to court
so you know the next line
of everything
with my lawyer contemplating.
you said you got belief in me
I love you Should I feel right?
Do you know I care? Anonymous
That’s why my eyes always stare
Lester
This love was real from the start Trust
Love, lust, and desire
Like the Stars in the Sky
NOTHING CAN TEAR US APART My love has a mind
Like the stars in the sky
Just to show to you
I know you’ll be waiting
and love too
and not nobody else?
My love is smart
I am calling for you
my love is true
remember when I got caught
so I’m ready for marriage
Can I trust you not to cheat on me
because it let me love you from the start
what about you?
Can I trust you to love me
and think of my presence even when you’re by yourself?
Alyasa B.
From the heavens above
I’ll go to hell
and you was at the station?
I am looking for you
and wait for you
Just be patient.
In the depths of my soul
Anonymous
I’ll be home real soon
You got me.
and we’ll be together all day
Marvin F.
I will live and breathe for you
When I say I love you
Sadness dwells inside you
My Girl
just me and you.
You have nothing to fear
My girl is pretty
Johnathan D.
Love Is
My love is so deep
For I am next to you
My girl is smart
and I don’t know why
I think about my true love
I can feel your sadness
My girl is an angel
You Got Me
love can’t see you
If you only knew
every time I go to sleep
Let me be sad for you
My girl is precious
My rage is high
but you can’t see it
how hard I try to believe you
She the apple of my eye
So you could feel love once again
My girl I love
the cage is low
and saying loving me
she the one I want to marry
Worry not about life
My girl is sweet
I redeem my thoughts
Love is a sneaky thing, I guess
can become old news
and live with
Let me worry for you
My girl is kind
and continue to grow
sort of slick
I can’t figure out
the rest of my life
You should love life
My girl is nice
you got me once
Love can hurt and love can heal
why I really feel this way
I want to stand on a hill
For it is part of you
My girl keeps me out of trouble
you won’t no more
Love can be born and love can kill
but I love you
me and her
I’ll be there when you fall
My girl I put through a lot of s**t
I develop my skills
Love has won and love has lost
and I hope these feelings stay
watching the balloon of love
To catch you and say I love you
My girl loves me
I’m not slow no more
Love can catch and love is tossed
I don’t understand myself
floating away
My girl has my kid
you got me whipped
Love can stand and love can fall
I put in all my trust
Love So Deep
But when you say you love me I throw this fuss
What is love
Love is small and love is tall
Desire’s burning so hot tonight
so listen to the words of the poem
Love is right and love is wrong
if you don’t hurry
because here comes your favorite part
Love is weak but love is strong
I’ll go out of my mind
from the beginning to the end
Love is up and love is down
So rush on over
I will never leave
Love can smile and love can frown
close to my side
like a bullet outta gun
Love is good and love can be bad
Only you
I’m coming for you
Love is quiet and love brags
can make it right
please don’t run
Love is a little and love is a lot
I need your lips
I’m not coming to harm you
Love continues and love stops
whispering songs to me
I’m coming to love
Love can hope and love can dream
the tenderness of your body
I’m the king of this jungle
Love can talk and love can sing
laying here next to me
but yet so young
Love can be a word or love can be a ring
I need to share your passion
young and dumb
Love can be nothing or love can be everything
your ecstasy
Eric S.
So where is this thing we call love
Only you
I don’t know
can make it right
Ode to Cheezits
the only real love we have
Only you
the little red package
comes from above
can do those things to me
they call them Cheezits
From Jr.
you go straight to my head
so tiny and gold
so in love with Te-Te
until I’m high as a kite
sometimes crispy
My T-baby
sometimes
little square bite-size chips
you make me feel like I can fly
when you eat them
Only you!
they drop to your pit
Unfaithful Love Love truly is a wonderful feeling
Every time I close my eyes
too many bites
but sometimes we abuse it
I think of you
you might take a sh*t
We see a chance to have what we need in life
and every time I close my eyes
but don’t you just love Cheezits
but we pass it right up
I discover something new
crunchy and good
Mistakes are easily made
I’m almost to the point
they’re always around
but can be hard to make up for
where I believe in you
when you’re high
When you see the opportunity
and I want to be with you
damn, they’re good
to have the love of your life
and only you
when you got the munchies
take it
at the height of passion
She may be your ticket to a better life
I breathe with you
you never know
and we breathe together
But not all relationships are meant to be
in the darkness
Sailing Away
only when you see one
something inside of me
this is a love boat that I am sailing today
that is fit for you
holds close
sailing it through the cool ocean
take it and run with it
to something inside of you
breeze and watery waves
Make sure that you hold on
Only you
but without the wind sailing this love boat
to that special bond
can make it right
it would just leave this boat afloat
that you and your loved one share
Johnathan D.
in the ocean all alone
Eric S.
on the deck
Hold tight to that sacred love between the two of you
Young and Dumb
writing this poem
Treat each other right
Young and dumb
soon, my boat
Be faithful
to think I’m in love
drifting again
Be trustworthy
because your love flies
coming home to you
and don’t be afraid to let your emotions show
like a dove
swift like the wind
far away from me every day
but right now
it gets to me in every way
I’m trapped at sea
my only wish is to be with you
and your love seems
til death do us part
to keep sailing away from me
Maurice ‘Wallo’ Whatley Only You Can Make It Right
Eric S.