Greetings friends! Our amazing one of a kind double issue, 27.21/22, of The Beat Within is back from the printer and now in your eager hands. Remember, this is the only magazine keeping it one thousand with you readers with a new issue every two weeks. No other magazine puts forth the effort, day in and day out, with our workshops, our amazing partners and colleagues who do their part to make this magazine so incredibly special. This week we are grateful to once again have our old friend, OT, step up to share his thoughts in our editorial section.
Continue ReadingMonth: June 2022
What Is Freedom?
by SoniaGrandson, Rivarde Juvenile Detention Center, Harvey Louisiana What is freedom?No shackles on my hands and feetWhat is freedom?When I can choose what I want to beWhat is freedom?Judge can’t tell me what to doWhat is freedom?When you walk in yo’ own shoesWhat is freedom?You chase yo’ goals and become greatWhat is freedom?You see a person with passion not an inmate’s faceWhat is freedom?Going to bed after a hard day’s work.What is freedom?You live and you learn, butAlways be ready for things to get worst.
Continue ReadingGreatest Test
by Flo, San Quentin State Prison, CA I never gave much thought to the reason why I enjoyed the company of others as an adolescent. For as long as I could remember I have always been this extroverted social butterfly. I was both a good student and class clown. Even in serious discussions I can conjure a joke. I was an entertainer. On the surface it seemed pretty healthy. There was no real harm in that, no signs of dysfunction right? However, there were a bevy of underlying issues not realized. I was in an abusive household. Fear, lead me
Continue ReadingPlaying Cops and Robbers
by Jose “RawRaw” Robles, Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, CA Playing Cops and RobbersNo more time it has expiredDaylight shines the night retiredNo more waiting in the shadowsThe light retreats it is that hourBack and forth in night and dayHide and seek the game we playNo more tag and now you’re itNow it’s toe tag if you’re hit.For My MommaA mother’s love for her childUnconditional true and pureEven as a grown man with flawsHer eyes look at me with tender patienceBecause I will always be her childThough she can no longer carry me in her armsAs when I was
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