Paint chips,
asbestos infested
ingested now,
in the bowels
of time.
Swallowed
with the tips
of my fingers
that long ago
fed my soul.
Rusty bed
springs,
now form
the curvature
of my spine.
My youth
lay dead
'neath stain
covered sheets.
Dilapidated,
as the plumbings
fecal matter,
all that's left
of my brain.
Institutionalized,
conformity that comes
no matter how
strong your
determination.
A judge and
eleven jurors,
decided my fate
the twelfth one cried,
then she too, conformed.
I could do this time,
"24/7, standing on my head"
my words,
though now I don't remember
the pride that spoke them.
Content now,
with all that I am
and all that I
will never be.
I too, conformed
to the laws of man
long ago when he
captured my spirit.
Author notes
just some thoughts that came from working with offenders in the state of north carolina for nearly 20 years. this room looks like the old dormitory rooms, asbestos and roach infested, now long gone. In writing this, I realized that, I too conformed to prison life, and the laws of man. Yet, I never crumbled with the "power of authority", I could have, but I never lost the ability to feel...should I have lost that, I would have lost myself. Empathy and compassion I held tight too, gentle reminders that kept me afloat with the knowledge that "no matter my status, I am no better than anyone else"
photo credit: american ruins
A contest entry
- In Darkness or Light by JeannieD Hunter.
1000 points, ended June 6, 2008, 23 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Best Prewrites!! Send em on over! by perfectsunset.
800 points, ended July 2, 2008, 32 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Dark beauty by Maili Knephthan.
600 points, ended July 2, 2008, 32 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Raw Emotion by x meerz.
500 points, ended July 28, 2008, 79 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - i deserve gold by Nicolette.
700 points, ended August 12, 2008, 11 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Give me anything! by ASmileForYou.
560 points, ended December 16, 2008, 138 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 16 of 16
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This was a very well written and well thought poem. Very nice job! Don't stop writing!
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Some powerful and moving thoughts expressed here. This poem definately shows your understanding/compassion towards the effects of institutionalization, especially on aspects such as self-respect, self-image, conformity, etc. Being a social worker I can very much relate to the essence of this poem. I think that perhaps the power embedded in these lines would come across stronger if you change the lay-out of the poem - perhaps left align and with longer sentences (just a thought though).
This was something different and I liked the effect the poem had on me. I see that this poem is currently in 5 different contests and I did state in the rules that it could only be in 2 contests (this one included). Unfortunately I can't consider it for a trophy but I did enjoy the look into the mind of the sometimes "disempowered". Thank you for your entry.
~ Nicolette
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very powerful
thanks for entering and good luck<3 -
Thank you for entering and thank you so much for the wonderful entry. I love the explanation in your AN. It was like looking into the window of the soul. Empathy and compassion two very powerful tools in the society of prison and in general. I really enjoyed this write. Thank you for sharing this Good luck in my contest
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Wow this was deeply powerful and touching. You really poured our some raw emotions and imagery here; amazing job in expressions deep within your soul. Loved it!!
Thanks for entering & best of luck -
AMAZING!
I am at a loss for words. This is so well written with a message all need to hear. I loved the imagery sad as it may be. I could see the picture as I read. This really was wonderful. I feel a need to go read more of your poetry just from reading this. I think the style chosen went so well with the message conveyed. Great poem!
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Kudo's
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Speechles at first ...
It took me some time to respond to this. This lyrical reality was a powerful read to say the least. It gripped me becasue as I read it, I thought it to be your reality and I became sad. Then I read your comments and I was profoundly affected and amazed at your experience and how you were able to translate prison life. Thank you for writing this!
Peace,
Zoe Michelle -
What a nice piece!Bowels of Time reminds me of the stinking prisons in Kenya where jailees are packed like sardines. Not like the one in the photo--that's a palace dear! But I like the emotion in this poem..one can visualise the rot in the jail and the failed law system. I love the last line. We have conformed to the laws of man and we are not humans anymore..we have become caged souls without heartbeats--now, that's the worst prison one can think of!
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thank you Lorot, I know that laws are different in other countries, as is the prison system. I'm sure that our animal shelters here in the U.S. are probably cleaner, and the animals treated more humane, than the dungeons there that contain human life, yet, I can only speak of my experiences here, and what I have been witness to. I have watched youth fade, spirit break, pride vanish, and human lives be swallowed in the bowels of "time", but, I too have witnessed, life restored, and faith renewed in a select few that were released from the bowels of time, they held tight their pride, their spirit flourished and they found a new begining and a reason to live. Those are the memories of which I am most fond.
Blessings,
Sassy
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I love this one.
The experience could have left you hard and sour. I'm glad it didn't. Great write, visual, feelings I read a lot into this.
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This is an amazing poem. You caught my attention with the first five stanzas. The imagery is incredible. The next five stanzas truly captured the inner despair of those who have been institutionalized.
This is truly one of the better poems that I have read on this site.
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thank you
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truly stark and terrible. A horrible picture, but well portrayed.
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Been to NC many times throughout my years. A very profound piece that you have written. Gives one something to think about. Read your author notes and sadly many people in the higher up position would cave in to the little people. Wonderful you kept your head on straight and it sounds like you did a great job. Good luck in the contest.
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Wow! This is an incredible write. Very deep and emotional. I am from NC too. This was a very good take on the picture. Thanks for this wonderful entry and good luck!
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