by SM, Sacramento Dear Drugs, Where can I start? What can I start with? Oh Drugs, you and I have been through some crazy shhh. I’ll never forget all the memories I’ve had with you. All the great times and bad. All the fun and life-threatening experiences. We’ve been together for so long, almost five years now. It’s going to be hard having to say goodbye. You’ve been my backbone. You’re all I know. All I cared about. For years, I lived my life on drugs, and for drugs. I rely on you when things go wrong. When all else
Continue ReadingI Need To Be Heard
by Dorrance Lockhart, San Quentin State Prison, CA When I was 25 years old the most worse thing that could happened to me. I lost all confidence and patience with life because I lost my best friend. Now on Mother’s Day of 2005 my mother was killed. Then on top of this situation my lady who was carrying my first child lost it a week later. That year before I knew it I became so bitter and self-destructive because within three days I found my mother’s ex-boyfriend who killed her and killed him. I was sent to prison after I
Continue ReadingThat Decision
by Truth N Poetry, San Quentin State Prison, CA The decision to not be silent about the Physical Mental and emotional abuse and my brothers and mother suffered at the hands of it. My step-father has been mentally and emotionally healing, when I speak of the pretty lies and ugly truths that come with child abuse Domestic Violence. I am allowing myself to acknowledge the underserving scars of my story yesterday and give myself permission to embrace or welcome if you will a tomorrow of my own creation. When I write poetry I speak “My Truth” without fear or apology.
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Volume 27.45/46
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 27.45/46
It’s hard to believe the Winter Holidays are upon us. We want to wish you and your family and friends the best holiday season and new year, as we all aim to make 2023 the best year yet! We are super grateful to our holiday artists this year, from our latest cover artist, Michael Sperling, to Olegario Ambriz to our young star, Elder in San Mateo. All this amazing work if not showcased in this latest issue, will be shared in our year end issue, and our holiday letter/eblast to our friends, colleagues and supporters. It’s that time once again
Continue ReadingThe Decision
by JS, Sonoma I am not going to lie. Before I answer this question, I want everyone reading to pause and visualize how strong your mind is. Think about if your mind was different who would you be. I know that if my mind was different, I would have never been in this situation. Young men are being influenced the wrong way. For example, we look for respect if we don’t have role models. But nowadays the way respect comes is from hanging with a respected group, shooting and fighting. But to be honest when you let your mind convince
Continue ReadingMy Support System
by Andrea, Alameda My advocate is my dad. He always have my back and I love him to death. He is someone I can always talk to, and I know he always have my back. I know my dad see greatness when he looks at me. I’m very smart and independent. My dad always came through when I need him. When I’m going through things, he always makes sure he have my back. My worst critic is my sister. Or it could be myself at times. I’m very hard on myself because I know what I’m capable of. I’m very
Continue ReadingFinding A Cure for Cancer
by CL, Santa Cruz When I think of the word cure what comes to mind is something that will help someone get better. The reason I chose this issue is because I always see commercials of people that need help with cancer and they haven’t found a cure for it to help them out. I think my desire to find a cure for cancer is that too many people are dying of cancer and a lot of little kids are dying of that disease. I think it’s really sad how kids don’t get to grow up and live a normal
Continue ReadingThe Making of a Happy Inmate
by Leo Cardez, Dixon Correctional Center in Dixon, Illinois Has anyone ever given you a slew of compliments and one criticism? What stands out to you? What do you remember? The compliments or the sole fault? Yeah, me too. It’s normal. Human beings through eons of evolution are hardwired to notice and remember the bad shhh. We are constantly walking around with our cups half full no matter how much we may try otherwise. It is the result of thousands of years of survival instinct. It is so common it already has a name in social science circles. They call
Continue ReadingI Wish I Said…
by Harry Goodall, San Quentin State Prison, CA I remember there was a time I was looking for acceptance. There was a lack of after school programs at the time. The government had just removed funding for those type of things. It was tough because they had even cut welfare, implementing a work for relief program. I idolized the movies I was watching on TV and on the big screen. These were movies like Boys In The Hood and Menace to Society. These movies promoted Black on Black crimes and the drug life. It showed young people drinking 40 ounce beers
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