I Am…
By SW
I wonder when “I Love Me” is enough.
I hear the sound of keys way too much.
I see my life better than the rest.
I want to succeed in this, to pass the test.
I am Simon.
I pretend to be a superhero.
I feel, at times, a complete zero.
I touched my past,
I know this cell won’t last
I ask who am I?
I am Simon.
I understand that this life is a gift.
I believe love wins in the end.
I dream of better days.
I trust that God got my back always.
I hope you know me as I know me.
I am Simon.
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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.
This is a very beautiful poetry which is easy to follow and strikes hope in the reader. Beautifully captures the essence of faith; it inspires and uplifts the spirit in every line.
There is so much power in saying “I AM” and knowing who you are. I believe reading it and saying it restores so much wisdom and integrity thank you for this poetic read. Keep being great.
This poem beautifully captures a journey of self-reflection and growth. The repetition of “I am Simon” grounds the piece in personal identity while each stanza builds on the complexity of emotions and thoughts. The vulnerability in expressing doubt, hope, and faith is relatable and powerful. Lines like “I wonder when ‘I Love Me’ is enough” and “I feel, at times, a complete zero” evoke deep introspection, while the hopeful message in “I believe love wins in the end” brings a sense of optimism. Overall, the poem weaves a delicate balance between strength and uncertainty, resonating with the struggle of self-discovery and acceptance. Great work!
Lovely poem. It shows the reader that the writer has been able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, he understands he has done wrong in the past but wants to and will do better things. The writer has found himself and expresses the ambition he has to live a more successful life.
Simon,
I too wonder when “I love me” is enough. That line tugged at my heart and pulled me in – thank you for being so vulnerable right out the gate. My experience is that I love me is always enough – we just forget sometimes.
This poem was very inspiring since it brought up an important question on learning one’s true identity and how they are able to figure that out. Thank you for this poem!
This poem has a compelling structure and emotional depth, effectively conveying themes of self-identity, hope, and resilience
This is really good, it really touched me.
The repeated affirmation, “I am Simon,” speaks to a search for identity and acceptance, while the reflections on life, faith, and hope express a deep belief in personal growth and resilience. This is beautiful!
This is a really profound poem. You really express the importance of knowing yourself, and the world knowing you as who you are; you are a person, you are Simon.
This poem beautifully captures the struggle of self-acceptance and the journey towards self-discovery. The repetition of “I am Simon” emphasizes the poet’s quest for identity and understanding. It’s a touching reflection on the importance of self-love and the belief in better days ahead. Overall, great job, this was such a beautiful message.
Your poem speaks volumes about self-reflection and resilience, carrying a journey of introspection that feels powerful and deeply sincere. The repeated line “I am Simon” gives such a strong sense of identity and determination, as though you’re grounding yourself in these thoughts and dreams, claiming your life and your vision for it, no matter the circumstances.
Through it all, it’s clear you’re striving for self-love and understanding, hoping that others might see you as you see yourself. Your words serve as a reminder that even in confined spaces—whether literal or emotional—the mind and spirit are free to imagine, hope, and redefine. Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself, Simon—it’s a reminder of how enduring self-acceptance and faith really are.
This is so moving, thank you for sharing
You show that through this poem that despite where you are right now, you are at one with yourself. You’re aware of decisions that were made in the past. You have a positive outline on your future.
That’s a powerful and introspective poem, Simon. It beautifully captures the struggle between self-doubt and self-belief, and the journey towards understanding and accepting oneself. Your words are heartfelt and relatable. Great job!
So much power behind the words and saying “ I Am” I can almost feel the impact and emotion behind them, which every great writer is capable of doing and transferring to the reader. Keep writing SW, you have great talent.
This poem is very touching and well-written. By repeating, “I Am Simon”, you convey that you maintain your sense of self and your identity. Never stop writing!!
Your poem is really powerful, Simon. It captures a journey of self-discovery and resilience. The repetition of “I am Simon” reinforces a strong sense of identity and determination.
SW the power of your self-affirmation in this poem is striking. How you portray wrestling with your own thoughts and emotions is well done and moving. I hope you continue to write.
Everything about this poem allows one to really feel what the writer is expressing. Great work!
This poem is a perfect simple truth so it touches the reader with its honesty and hope.
Love is deep in this but also a hesitation with a hint of uncertainty and yet again, hope comes through.
Well done. thank you for putting words on paper to share a part of your soul and journey. May you have all you strive for Simon. well done.
Beautiful poem. What a testimony to the power of faith both in self and in God. A wonderful reminder that we control our future and yes..god has always got our back! Thank you for sharing this SW
This poem is extremely powerful and portrays the raw emotion of your journey and self-reflection. I love how you can open up and create a sense of vulnerability because it gives the reader a chance to accept themselves and do some reflection. This poem shows everyone how strong you are. Thank you for sharing!!
SW, your poem radiates strength, self-awareness, and hope. It’s inspiring how you’ve explored such deep emotions with honesty and courage. The repetition of ‘I am Simon’ feels like a powerful affirmation of who you are, reminding us all of the importance of self-love and identity.
Your words about trusting in better days and believing that love wins are a testament to your resilience. They show that even in tough times, you hold on to faith and hope, and that’s a strength many people look up to.
Keep writing and sharing your voice—it matters and has the power to connect and inspire others.
Simon, your poem is so powerful and honest—it really stayed with me after reading it. The way you share your inner thoughts and struggles is inspiring, and I can feel the hope and determination in your words. Lines like ‘I trust that God got my back always’ show such strength, and it’s clear you’re holding on to faith even in tough times. Your words remind me that no matter where we are, self-love and belief can carry us through. Keep writing and holding on to that hope—you’re making an impact.
The repetition of the phrase “I am Simon” shows you, the writer, grounding yourself in your identity. The poem reflects on your various experiences in life and shows that despite these experiences, you are still Simon. It’s an inspiring commentary on self-love.
Your poem is honest and inspiring. Repeating “I am Simon” makes your strength and identity stand out.
The line, “I wonder when ‘I Love Me’ is enough,” really stuck with me. It’s so real and relatable.
I also loved the hope in “I know this cell won’t last” and “I trust that God has my back always.” Your faith and belief in better days are powerful.
What a powerful and introspective poem! You’ve captured the internal conflict of self-awareness, personal growth, and the search for identity in a way that resonates deeply. The repetition of “I am Simon” creates a strong sense of self, grounding the poem in the narrator’s journey of understanding who they are. The lines “I feel, at times, a complete zero” and “I know this cell won’t last” especially reflect vulnerability, making the reader empathize with the sense of struggle, yet there’s also hope and resilience with phrases like “love wins in the end” and “God got my back.” The contrast between self-doubt and self-affirmation adds emotional depth and invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences of personal growth. Overall, it’s a moving reflection on identity, hope, and perseverance. Keep writing SW!
I really enjoyed this poem. I thought the first two lines beautifully show the reach for self love in a hostile world, in which you are surrounded by locked doors. It encouraged a discussion between myself and friends about how much harder it is for some identities to find self love than it is for people with others. The poem made me wonder ho we can resist labels and stereotypes and actually get to know the best in others. Keep up the great writing that encourages great conversation!
Love this message, acknowledging and appreciating the life you have is so, so important
Wow! This poem tackles the concept of identity really well. I appreciate the self-identity in particular– that you know who you are and what your experiences are regardless of what other people may think about you or themselves. The constant belief in love existing and winning is really refreshing and meaningful too. Great work!
Oh wow, this was really beautiful. I love the continuous “I am Simon”. I hope you never lose sight of yourself and continue to work on yourself so that when you finally get out, you can lead a good life out of prison. This was a great poem, you have real talent. Don’t stop writing and never forget that there is more than just prison and the cell that you are currently confined in.
Thank you for sharing! Your poem inspires motivation and resilience in the reader. Embracing the concept in taking life in strides and being able to get through the hard times, doing so with grace and understanding in remembering like you said “life is a gift”
Your words are so touching and raw in the best way possible, especially in the first verse. I love how you repeated the word “I” in every line. I love that you added how this point in your life isn’t forever. You’re incredible and so talented!
This poem is great. I liked how you used “I am” through it because of the impact it holds. I also liked how you expressed how important it is to know yourself. Overall great work and I hope you keep it up!
I read your poem and wanted to say you got this! An important thing is being able to love yourself and not let others bother the love you create. I like how your verses are set up and that they flow and rhyme and is an easy transition into the next verse. Do remember this life is certainly a gift, and love is also a gift as well, but sometimes all you need is the love you have inside yourself! Time itself will do the rest and that will have you at each turn. Growth also takes time and between these two it will become an unstoppable duo! Overall it’s a good poem, its quick, but as I read it, I can Invision you writing and feeling what you are feeling! Keep up the good work and really enjoyed the poem.
Lovely poem, SM! Your repetition of “I am Simon” is very powerful. I think everyone plays different roles throughout their life. At times, you will be your authentic self; at other times, you will be playing someone you don’t think is yourself. Every version of yourself is worthy of love. Remember to give yourself some grace.
There is so much meaning to the “I” you continued to use throughout the poem. This perspective shows that you yourself are hopeful, although at times it can be daunting. Each paragraph had a story of its own, conflicting between dreams and questioning your self and where life will take you. I like that it has positive thoughts, but is still questioning reality and what the outcome of all this that you went through will be. I enjoyed your poem very much, thank you for sharing Simon.
These comments are right! There is so much power in finding yourself in all of its contradiction. To be able to reflect on yourself so deeply is to truly find yourself.
Your poem feels personal and real, like a journey of self-reflection and resilience. The repetition of “I am Simon” makes it hit even harder, like a reminder to yourself and the world of who you are. Great piece—thanks for sharing!
Simon, your poetry effectively captures resilience, self-doubt, and identity. The struggle for self-acceptance is reinforced by the repeated use of “I am Simon,” which gives your journey a raw and intimate feel. I adore how you juxtapose faith and resolve (“I trust that God got my back always”) with vulnerability (“I feel, at times, a complete zero”). Your words have impact because of this equilibrium. One little suggestion: to make the message more clear, sentences like “I touched my past” may be elaborated. All things considered, this work is moving and motivational. Your story is worthy of being told, so keep writing and expressing your voice!
This was a very beautiful and introspective poem. It is so important to recognize a sense of self and you portrayed a common feeling that many of us experience.
This is a great poem! The idea of accepting yourself and stating “I Am” shows growth despite the inner thoughts and struggles that may have ensued. Evolving and loving yourself shows improvement in both character and identity.
This poem is personal and full of self-reflection. Simon questions, hopes, and believes in a better future. It shows strength, struggle, and faith. In the end, it’s about knowing and accepting oneself. Simple, deep, and powerful!
This poem is beautifully written! Your words show a sense of power and strength. I urge you to keep having hope and keep building strength. There is so much power in self reflection, especially through poems. Thank you for sharing this.
This poem is deeply introspective and filled with emotional depth. The contrast between strength and vulnerability makes it relatable. The final lines leave a lasting impact, emphasizing self-acceptance and faith.
This is yet another beautiful piece on incarceration. There is so much strength in the phrases this writer uses, specifically through ‘I am’ and by using ‘I’ followed by the 5 different senses and other verbs. This poem captures the journey of an incarcerated individual in a positive manner and gives a sense of self and acceptance.
This poem was very moving. The repetition of the line “I am Simon.” throughout the poem was very powerful since it shows that no matter what your situation is or what has happened in the past you are still Simon. It adds a sense of belief in the poem and shows the importance of remembering you are who you want to be and who you know you are not who you were or what others tell you. Thank you for sharing this poem with us.
Wonderful, thought provoking, good work Simon.
Hello Simon, you wrote a great poem. It is important to always look into yourself and you did a great job with this poem, this is a great reminder to always know who you are and stay true to yourself.
This poem is so heartfelt and honest — it really captures the journey of self-discovery and hope. The repetition of “I am Simon” is so powerful, like a declaration of identity and strength. I love how it balances vulnerability with confidence, showing the ups and downs of believing in yourself. The closing lines, especially the hope of being truly known, leave such a deep and thoughtful impact. It’s a beautiful and inspiring piece!
I like how this poem touched on the topics of faith, in both the sense of religion and in the sense of faith in oneself. Looking at the past and coming to terms with what you may have done, and still holding hope for the future has got to be difficult.
Learning who you are and defining yourself is also difficult.
Thank you for sharing.
The repetition of “I” is very powerful. This poem really stuck with me. It feels very honest and strong.
I love how in this poem you demonstrated that even with some flaws you still accept yourself as being enough and that is such an important quality to have as no one is ever totally perfect. The repetition of “I am Simon” was also very impactful!
I love how raw and introspective this poem is. The repeating phrase, “I am Simon” is so powerful, grounding the piece and weaving together self-discovery with resilience. I admire how you use opposing concepts such as vulnerability and strength to create a layered, heartfelt narrative of personal struggle and hope: “I feel, at times, a complete zero” paired with “I trust that God got my back always.” The way you explore identity through questions and affirmations gives the poem a unique voice, and makes it deeply relatable to readers. Great work!
I love that you hold yourself true and never lose sight of who you are- that is an important skill to have and an important thought to carry. This piece is powerful, insightful, and thoughtful. Keep writing, you are amazing at it!
This poem captures the complexity of self-identity and the journey toward self-acceptance. The repetition of “I am Simon” serves as a grounding reminder that, despite the inner struggles and questions, the speaker remains resolute in who they are. It’s a beautiful exploration of vulnerability, hope, and faith – great poem!
This poem beautifully captures the internal dialogue of someone struggling with self-identity and the journey toward self-acceptance. The speaker, Simon, grapples with feeling both empowered and vulnerable, showing a raw honesty about the highs and lows of life – great poem!
This poem is very powerful, it shows so much strength. The way you repeat “I am Simon” makes it even more meaningful! It’s a beautiful poem with deep emotions.
reaffirming yourself in the face of doubt is so brave. Imposter syndrome runs deep especially if you are a marginalized community. I understand the struggle and love the passion
This is a stunning piece of poetry that is both accessible and deeply hopeful. It gracefully embodies the spirit of faith, with each line offering inspiration and uplifting the soul.
Simon, this is a very powerful poem, and I enjoyed reading it. I love the line “I trust that God got my back always.” He loves us so much and is with you always! I also love the line “life is a gift” because it is one that so many of us take for granted. Thank you for sharing this.
Well written Simon! This really spoke to me. It’s so raw and real, like we’re getting a glimpse straight into your soul. I felt the push and pull between doubt and confidence, pain and purpose. That line “I wonder when ‘I Love Me’ is enough”—wow. That hit deep. And yet, even with all the struggle, there’s this quiet strength running through the whole piece, especially in the belief, the hope, the trust. You turned personal reflection into something so relatable and powerful. It’s not just a poem—it’s a journey of identity, growth, and self-love. Truly moving. Keep on writing Simon!
This poem left me feeling like it was heartfelt and sincere. The repetition is a powerful statement, of identification. You are so strong and this is a beautiful piece that you have written.
This poem is beautifully written. You express your emotions very well and have deep thoughts and feelings included in your writing. Your perspective is very important and I enjoyed reading your poem.
Thank you so much for sharing your work. This is a great piece that acknowledges the basis of faith and a journey on self discovery. The lines “I understand that this life is a gift. I believe love wins in the end. I dream of better days.” is so impactful. Acknowledging the gratitude we have towards life as a whole is so significant, and truly sets people apart from the rest. This journey that you’ve represented in your poem about self growth is incredible, and I encourage you to keep writing more. This is incredible!
This poem reflects a deep sense of self-awareness and resilience, as the speaker navigates their struggles while holding onto hope. It beautifully conveys the journey of understanding oneself, trusting in love and faith, and striving for a brighter future.
It’s so interesting to hear a different perspective on the universal theme of not knowing exactly who you are; the repetition of “I am Simon” is an effective way of showing that your own perception of who you are is the most valuable, independently of how other people see you
Your voice in this poem is powerful and clear. The structure you chose is really effective. It takes the reader on a path through vulnerability (“I feel, at times, a complete zero”), reflection (“I touched my past”), and transformation (“I understand that this life is a gift”). There’s a beautiful balance of honesty and optimism, of pain and purpose.Lines like “I wonder when ‘I Love Me’ is enough” and “I ask who am I?” are incredibly human and relatable. They hit the heart because they speak to something so many of us wrestle with. And then you answer that question—not just once, but with quiet confidence, again and again: “I am Simon.” That’s powerful. You’ve woven hope, faith, and self-discovery into your words in a way that inspires.
this poem felt deeply personal and reflective—it captures the tension between struggle and self-discovery so honestly. The repetition of “I am Simon” grounds the piece in identity, even as the speaker wrestles with doubt, hope, and purpose. It reminded me how powerful it is to claim your name and your truth, even in the face of uncertainty.
I felt so much resilience in your writing. Even in the hard moments, there’s hope woven into your words. That’s a powerful thing!
I really liked the rhymes you used in your poem, I think it is a very hard thing to do to find the perfect word to rhyme with the previous line, that is very intricate to me. I like the structure you used in this poem too, ending every stanza with I am Simon. I think it captures that there are a million things you can be, there are things people might perceive you as being but you are always you at the end of the day. God knows you and your intentions, and I think this poem is a great symbol of identity and faith. Life is a gift like you said and I think you did a good job of reinforcing this idea throughout your poem.
This poem is deeply personal and powerfully affirming—a declaration of identity, resilience, and hope. Through vulnerability and reflection, you’ve created a portrait of someone striving not just to be free, but to be whole. “I am Simon” becomes more than a name—it becomes a statement of worth, of growth, and of unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.
The repetition portrayed in this poem is extremely impactful on how it’s read. I really love the ending in which “I am Simon” is said. This confidence after who you are after struggling with finding your true self in the first few stanzas brings a significant sense of hope and determination.
This poem is extremely powerful. The repetition of the phrase “I am Simon” at the end of each stanza shows that even through challenged and periods of feeling as though we don’t know ourselves, there will always be something to pull as back into our identity.
This poem is so moving. I love that the structure and choice of words really illustrate growth and self-realization. Being able to use “I” statements shows how much you have grown into the person you are today.
This poem is a raw and honest self-portrait, balancing struggle and hope while affirming identity, resilience, and faith in a brighter future.
This poem is a very vulnerable self-portrait. The author is able to blend honesty about struggle with hope for something better. It shows both doubt and strength. The poem is able to paint a picture of someone who is learning to love themselves, hold onto their faith, and keep believing that brighter days lie ahead.
This poem is an intimate reflection of identity. The author is able to blend feelings like struggle, hope, and self-belief into a powerful voice. The poem shows Simon’s journey of wrestling with doubt while holding onto faith, love, and the promise of a better future.
“I Am…” by SW is a heartfelt and uplifting reflection on identity, faith, and hope. Through its honest repetition and rhythmic flow, the poem beautifully captures the struggle for self-acceptance and the determination to rise above hardship. Each stanza builds strength and clarity, revealing growth from doubt to confidence. Lines like “I trust that God got my back always” shine with faith and resilience, grounding the poem in optimism. It’s a moving affirmation of self-love, endurance, and the power of believing in one’s own worth.
Expressive in its sorrow but also its hope, this poem serves as an affirmation of oneself and their struggle with the good and bad that resides within all of us. It tells a story of self-love and the trials we go through to accept ourselves, culminating in confirmation that they are who they are and that they are proud of that. Well Done.
A strong reaffirmation of one’s own self-worth and identity. Elicits a feeling of hope for the future to be, as this person knows who they truly are.
This is beautiful, Simon. I love how honest and reflective you are. Your poem really shows your journey of self-discovery and hope. I especially love the mix of struggle and faith, showing that even through challenges, you believe in better days. Keep writing, your words are strong, uplifting, and really inspiring.
Hi SW! This poem shows your honesty as you explore who you are and who you want to become. You show strength by facing your past while still believing in love, faith, and better days ahead. You show a powerful journey of self-understanding and learning to love yourself. Wonderful work! I loved it!
This poem is a heartfelt exploration of self-identity, hope, and resilience. I love how Simon’s reflections show both vulnerability and strength, making the journey of self-discovery feel real and inspiring.
This piece is a powerful self-portrait that blends hope, vulnerability, and self-recognition. The repeated “I am Simon” gives it a strong rhythmic anchor, while the contrast between inner doubt and spiritual confidence creates emotional depth. It reads like a journey toward self-acceptance and transformation, honest and uplifting.
This is a beautiful poem. The continued saying “I am Simon” to remind yourself and everyone else that you’re a person is wonderful work. You are so much more than a prison sentence, and this poem captures that. God bless.
SW this poem speaks to a deeper understanding of self. It is honest and while it extends hope that others will understand you, it also has a rest and repose in the self-awareness that was gained. Please keep up the thoughtful writing.
I really admire your repitition with the phrase “I am Simon,” which is mentioned at the end of each stanza, becoming more and more powerful each time. I feel as though the poem works as a story as well, passing through the several phases of which the speaker endures before finally accepting himself as he is. The first stanza introduces the speakers wish to do/be better, the sentence “I want to succeed in this, to pass the test.” highlights his determination to prove that he is a good person, capable of being more than what is expected. The opening sentence of “I wonder when ‘I Love Me’ is enough.” both acts as a message the speaker gives to himself as well as those around him. “I Love Me” infers the speaker’s confidence in himself, and his goodness, one which he is not sure he should have. The rest of the stanza details his feeling of having to prove this in order to justify his acceptance of who he is. The second stanza shows the effects of which this experience has had on the speaker, he writes “I know this cell won’t last/I ask who am I?” This phrase portrays the effect incarceration has on one’s identity, and shows how this experience has defined him, stripping him of any previous identity, or self-acceptance, and instead displaying him as this one aspect. Finally, the final stanza concludes these feelings, showing the speaker’s faith in himself and highlighting how despite these many obstacles, one must accept oneself, especially if no one else will. Very nice work, I like how when reading this you are really able to reflect upon your own self-image and what it means.
The use of repetition in this poem is incredible. First with the anaphora of starting with “I” and ending each stanza with “I am Simon” is intentional and thoughtful. I appreciate the confidence, as well as the vulnerability. Thank you.
This is such a “human” piece, capturing our frailties: wanting to succeed but (at least sometimes) feeling like a failure, hoping/believing even when it seems like things aren’t changing, wondering how others “know” us. I believe love wins in the end. God is good. Thank you, Simon!