At The Reentry Initiative, we believe in the power of storytelling, art, and creative expression to foster healing and belonging for those returning from incarceration. We are honored to share the poetry of Patricia, a mother whose words offer a deeply personal glimpse into the realities of reentry and the enduring love and struggle of supporting her adult son while he is incarcerated. Through her poems, Patricia invites us into her journey—one of resilience, hope, and the complexities of navigating life after prison. We are grateful for her voice and for the ways in which creative expression can build understanding and community.
Prison
You’ve come home smarter and wiser I feel
All your heartaches and heartbreaks will eventually heal
I want you to know I will always be here
I will never forsake you, I love you so my dear
My sweet baby boy you’ve grown from a boy to a man
Just remember I’m here for you and will do what I can
Memories of your childhood flood my mind
Like waves through the ocean crashing through time
I know you had to endure a miserable existence
But look at you now you went the distance
I know you’ll never forget that soul crushing hell
Feeling lost and alone locked in a cell
Hearing your words I’m really going through it
Hurt so much felt like my heart would split
But He gave you the strength and inner peace
Just hold on my son you’re nearing release
Inside you were screaming I’m tired of trying
Always on the verge of crying
I Thank god now that you’re free
Sometimes I wondered will this ever be
In the bigger scheme of things it doesn’t really matter
Let all the pain and hurt you went through scatter
They say everything happens for a reason
For everything there is a season
Life is nothing more than cause and effect
So live it to the fullest without any regret
Alright
Those dark days
Lost inside. Hanging, hanging
Hold on tight
You’re finally living in the light
Strength grows out of the pain
Don’t let it all be in vain
Don’t let your heart turn to stone
You’ll never have to walk this path alone
I know they took your years
And you cried a river of tears
They tried to darken your light
But here you are shining bright
Live every moment like it’s your last one
No need to worry about all that you’ve done
Haters gonna hate never mind the opposition
Keep living your life like your on a kamikaze mission
Continue to fight as you claim your crown
I’ll always be behind you holding it down
Refuse to let go and never back down
No time to play your time is now
Remember you’re one of a kind
Polished and fine
Today is your time to shine
You’re like a diamond in the rough
Even when you feel you're not good enough
Don’t give in to the lie that there’s no one you can turn to
Don’t lose heart there is someone who’ll never desert you
Life can bring us through many changes
Stay strong and don’t lose sight
Never give up and know that it will be alright
Prison 2
I once believed that Justice prevailed,
Now I have seen that the whole system's failed.
Don't need a reason for handing out time,Just need a victim accused of a crime,
Under false pretense they lock men away.
Society don't see the games that they play.
Our system of Justice has serious flaws,
Eroded by those who break their own laws.
For every prisoner the system mistreats
Another bitter man returns to the streets,
Consumed with a hatred for whoever supports
Their brutal human warehouses and corrupted courts.
Everywhere you look there's nothing but destruction
Our whole government is full of corruption.
Everyone wants to know what the fuss is about
But It don't take a scientist to figure it out.
Can you imagine a world where time stands still
Where nothing you do is of your own free willStripped of your freedom, your hopes, your prideSurrounded by strangers with no place to hide
A world where you sleep, surrounded by hateWhere all you can do is just sit and waitImagine a world where you have no choiceWhere you can’t even think because of the noiseA world where you work but get no payMade to feel worthless each and every day
Living each day with no thoughts of tomorrow
It’s easy to get lost in this world of sorrow
Stuck in ad-seg and locked away in the shu
Where criminal minds can flourish and there’s continual abuse
The only peace you might get is when you’re asleep
The scars of confined men and women run deep
Loneliness is the only thing this place brings
Strip your mind of hope and forgotten dreams
We must stand as one and take up the fight
As we pray for the sister or brother who’ll get a beating tonight
You must stand firm in your beliefs. No surrender no retreat
Never give up on those confined to a cell
And remember to always love yourself as well
Your own state of mind is the determinant key
For you are the only person you let yourself be
Through knowledge what’s bad can be changed for the good
It doesn’t matter if you came from the hood
One thing for sure is that life continues to go on
Knowledge can help you refocus and keep going strong
Knowledge and wisdom can help you blossom like a flower
Three important words are Knowledge is power
I believe when we are at our darkest, our point of despair
That’s when we hear god and know he is there
Fear and hopelessness can destroy your mind
However, you can rebuild yourself all it takes is time
When life seems unbearable let me me tell you about a game you can play
Close your eyes and let yourself fade away
Float away to a special place
Beyond the moon the stars and space
In this place there is no sadness
No cell no courts none of that madness
So keep seeking even though you’re confined
Just remember that freedom is the freedom of your mind
Checkmate
Letting go and feeling free
Finally see a future in front of me
Opening my eyes to a new reality
Allowing me to rebuild my mentality
I've suffered many wrongs and many ills
Mistake me not I will never yield
Hope dwells within my spirit, body and mind
Encompassing my soul leaving nothing behind
I will not be defeated I will not be a slave
No more people telling me I must behave
The only limits are set by our mind
How far can I go and what will I find
My will is my compass my dreams are my map
My thoughts must be solid lest I fall in the trap
Paths to walk and roads to take
I’m just now learning to appreciate
I’ve faced those moments filled with pain
My struggles were not all in vain
To lead those who still wander in the dark
That’s my journey where I’ll make my mark
Pain and addiction always right around the corner
Seal up those cracks with brick and mortar
That life leads you to only one fate
the screen says game over and, on the board,...checkmate
Michael Just learn to let go, there’s no use in the rage
I know how painful it is being locked in that cage
To be wronged and to let go requires a deep strength
You’ll make it through no matter the length
There will be trials and tribulations along the way
It’s impossible to keep them all at bay
No matter the struggle life will go on
Determination and focus will help you to keep going strong
Time behind the wall is full of pain and despair
Nothing in this life seems fair
Do not be ashamed or afraid my son
This battle is just beginning and can still be won
Make your inside hard like granite
Even though most won’t understand it
Don’t let them take control
Don’t let them break your soul
I will forever be here to pick up the pieces when you fall
I will hold your hand and help you stand tall
No matter how near or how far apart
I’m always right there deep in your heart
I’m thankful for the time we had together
This is just another storm we have to weather
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