War Child

By DM

Inspired by the book War Child by Emmanuel Jal

I am battling for my life
I’ve got one chance to get it right
If I get it wrong, I’ll lose my life
My kids, my freedom, plus my wife
I’m a war child who represents the struggle
The ones on the corner, all they do is hustle
I’m striving for my GED, so when I come home
I get a nice paying job and live stress free
I’m a war child livin’ out of a cell
A child of God who is stuck in hell
Only time will tell
I hope my options won’t fail

4 Comments

  1. Ryan on May 8, 2017 at 10:30 AM

    I’m impressed by the urgency effectively conveyed in this piece and hope the poet’s ambitions turn out as hoped.

  2. Tony Keith on June 8, 2017 at 2:35 PM

    Powerful piece. I appreciate the rhyme scheme, and repetition of “free minds”. I think it reads more like a spoken word piece than a poem – meaning, its more literal than it is poetic and should be performed for an audience. You could, if you wanted to, extend the metaphor to what it feels like to have a mind that’s not free. What does that feel like? Look like? Sound like? Etc…

  3. janet reedy on June 21, 2017 at 8:38 PM

    Dear DM, I like the way you make a connection with the book War Child. Just as he managed to achieve success, you are working hard to achieve a better life. I hope too that your options won’t fail, and I really admire your determination. I imagine that some days it can be discouraging, but I think if you can write a poem like this, you will reach your goals. Best wishes to you on the way,
    Janet

  4. John on March 22, 2020 at 11:44 PM

    I pray that God lead you and guide you. and that you trust in Him. He will bring you through

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The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.