THE HANDSHAKE
-By Michael J. Doce
The handshake: a small gesture of humility that can symbolize equality and Peace by the clasping of right hands. The handshake represents humanity and demonstrates common grounds found between two humans.
THE SILENCE ON THE OTHER END OF THE PHONE
-By Michael “Abdur Ra’uf” Hearn
In Season 5 of “Orange is the New Black,” Gloria Mendoza calls her tía (aunt) from prison. Her aunt was at the hospital with Gloria’s son, who is about to be taken into surgery…..
MY ANGEL
By Lawrence ‘Larry” Adair
I believe in Angels – Cause, you sure are one
That clouds you ride never fade
IT’S MONDAY
-By Raymond “Hamzah” Franklin
It’s Monday. I know it’s Monday because Monday’s lunch is always hotdogs. And guess what was served today? Shriveled, barely boiled, pink with little hints of green…hotdogs.
FROM A FALLEN
-By Paul Reid
Prison life is a serious thing – not just the circumcision from life, as we know it, but by the boundaries of how the entire family dynamic suffers a massive fracture by an individual’s incarceration.
DENIED – APPLY AT A LATER DATE
-By Santise “San Man” Robinson
I recently applied for a pardon. But, I wasn’t afforded an opportunity to speak to the decision makers. Let me share with you what I wanted to convey:
I RISE STILL
-By Kory “Hussain” McClary
Even after all of the transgression and oppression
I CRY WHEN I SLEEP
-By Kory ” Hussain” McClary
I didn’t know you can cry in ya’ sleep
WE WILL BREATHE AGAIN
-By Sharif Brocking-Ton-Torres
What were my feelings when I saw George Floyd getting murdered?
PLEASE I CAN’T BREATHE! DON’T KILL ME
-By Anthony Peoples
I paused and held my breath as I watched the murder of Mr. George Floyd on my 13 inch television screen.
