Negative Prison Stereotypes What is present was first in the past. The past often is used as a mirror through which the present can be interpreted. However, it provides a pathway to the future, too. In #life, whether in prison or in the community, we all make mistakes. We all got lots of faults. But we can, and seemingly notice, an error to one person or persons, and amuse or mock one another. Let us not be too quick to judge others and not even yourself. Stereotypes come in all forms, shapes and colours. Don’t get me wrong, being in prison is the lowest, painful place a person could be, because you are already there, then the officers, inmates, friends, society, even the politicians and media, paint and label us with different paint brushes. Offenders, ex-offenders, prisoners, criminals, baddies, etc., these lists are endless. And on top of that, is the hanger painted with ‘criminal record’ written on it. Thus, no job on release, no respect, and no confidence, even with all the experience, skills, and positive outlook dashed. Stereotyping us makes it even more difficult. We’ve done our time, we may have addressed the cause to our offending behavior or #lifestyle. Why make it difficult to carry on living in that learned new way, which is better than before? The government and the society as a large, needs to be educated that anyone could easily find themselves in prison, as nobody ever knows what tomorrow brings. As people, we often forget that there are a hundred and one solutions to every problem, and a hundred and one routes to each solution. The word ‘offender’ stereotype is a useless phrase to use in the present. For example: it’s used for somebody who’s done a crime, as a doing word, but I’m here now. How does my being in prison give anyone the right to call me and others an offender, thus offending. -Meaning continuous crime #lifestyle. This is my first and I declare my last. So how does that stereotypical person put me in that bracket? Again, ex-offender doesn’t sit well with me either. It should not be my logo nor my identity. The stereotyped people and society are often judgmental and name-callers. I am not what they call me, the fact is, if you expect bad things to happen to those who had fallen once, it means you are somehow extending them as an invitation. You don’t manifest them, however, you make it easier for them to enter your #life. ##poetsin #stereotyping

Rhythmic Song If #life was poetry It would be an expression Of a song with rhythmic thoughts And feelings coming out in stanzas and Verses If #life was poetry It would be an elevation of prose With great composition Of words to soothe the longing Imagination made into a Vivid fantasy ##poetsin #poetry

Proudest Moment We are living in a time where our nation is fractured, where we don’t know who we are, where fear is our guide, and where I am told by the government that there is hope, that there is something more that we can believe in. Racism, imprisonment, and self-worth are all part of the package. I have something to say. I am so proud of myself and all I have learned in this momentary station of my #life right now. The fact that I fell into the mud; I have learned to get up without a rush to adopt and re-take my step into the height. I hadn’t thought it possible, even so, I can’t believe my #life right now. Nothing else can faze me. My children are all proud of their mother who has given strength and embraced change to be the best woman, mother, wife, aunt, and best friend/mentor to those who come in contact with her. Last year, one of my children received first-class honours in two majors from Oxford Brook University in Oxford, and got great job offers. I am the most proudest mum in the whole world right now, and by September, I will be out of here, and able to attend my other son’s graduation from the University. All these are what makes me proud; good news and achievements. My children and I have all achieved, even in our separation seasons. We are still making progress. ##poetsin #selfpride

Ashamed Moment Fool me once, shame on you… but fool me twice, shame on me. Isn’t that how the old saying goes? So feeling stupid, foolish, and ashamed is often uncomfortable and makes us wary, self-conscious, cover our faces, and reticent to want to make our voices heard. During my court case, I was pictured on the entrance of the courthouse, which I thought nothing of, until the following day. With my photo on several media, especially evening standards, this prompted several phone calls and visits from friends and family. I felt ashamed, speechless, and suicidal. The very fact that wariness doesn’t usually involve awareness and our fear of encountering another negative experience often leads us to making new situations for the older ones. For example, my faith and hopes in my beliefs stood still. I couldn’t go out or tell anyone how I was feeling due to shame of wondering how my #life got to that stage. I was in limbo, leaving home as early as 6 o’clock to get to court on my own, no one to come with me. Not that there wasn’t anyone to come with me, but because I just can’t face anyone. Now if I had to turn back the clock, I would suggest to anyone other than myself, to encourage themselves to be experiencing and permeating uneasy feeling of déjà vu and realize that it could be the time to show more trust in oneself and another supporter. Using your voice and you will be heard and supported. I missed out on that, just because I was ashamed. But today I understood the point and I’m helping others in the same bracket as I was then. Today, determined and still washing off the effects of shame. ##poetsin #shame

Silence The absence of sound No communication Making no word or speech Can be a good medicine in Problem management when Argument spills thunder and Brimstones, gives one the view Of solace that calms the situation As words spoken in haste could Have an impact that escalates more Trouble, because crying over spilt Milk and not changing how one feels Therefore using an indirect approach Of silence will better serve everyone ##poetsin #soundofsilence