-Daniel Ballard, San Quentin State Prison, CA
When I was younger I had dreams. Then I came to a realization, around fifteen or sixteen years old that I defined a dream of what actually a dream was: just a dream. Nothing more, nothing less, due to the fact that I can lay down tonight, close my eyes and dream of something or someone I have no knowledge of and feel very distant from.
So, my actual dream is a goal, something while I’m wide eyed awake that can be placed and put into a proper perspective. While doing so, I set out to execute whatever goal it is or maybe on the mental surface, in order to achieve or accomplish whatever it is or what I put my mind to. Overall, I love to express myself, whether it be verbally, or written in various forms. From poetry, rap and R&B to just freely expressing whatever it is that I may feel.
I have yet to actually achieve being heard, or for that matter, even seen, hold that thought. Just while writing in mid-sentence, I realized that I have achieved something that I see as a goal. Getting my words out there somehow, some way and God gave me access to The Beat Within, where I have the golden opportunity to be published by this magazine and send inspiration to the younger generation.
Stay goal oriented… keep dreaming, dream chasers.