Dead and Gone Away

By GB

Old habits die young, that’s what they say
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but in what way?
How do we reincarnate ourselves for the best
When it’s truly difficult to pass the test

Not the S.A.T. or the end of year finals, but the test of life
When we’re sent back to the real world and gotta provide for our kids & wife
My focus is to change my ways, and completely better myself
Stop worrying about dumb things like what people think, fly clothes, and having the most wealth

The time is now not later to get on the right track
‘Cause once I leave this federal jail, there is no looking back
That also goes for the streets and the negative influence around me
I gotta leave those things in the past, or otherwise in my son’s future I won’t be

Don’t want that, so getting my shit together is a must
Not trying to lose him or his mother, nor their love & trust
So once I am fully rehabilitated, the new me will be here to stay
Then I’m going to say goodbye to my old self, ‘cause the old me will be
Dead and gone away

Tagged with , , ,

5 Comments

  1. Joan Brady on December 28, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Beautifully said!

  2. DORY on December 28, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Please stick to these words you have written, a great life for you and your family is ahead if you do. The new and improved GB!!!!

  3. Sam on December 30, 2012 at 3:44 AM

    GB – you hit the nail on the head in this poem about what is really important in life. There’s no question in my mind that education is important (S.A.T.’s, finals, etc.) but the real test in life is how you act when your situation gets difficult. Your writing shows you’ve re-adjusted your motives to accomplish more positive things and I wish you the best of luck. Stay strong and keep your head up!

  4. Tracy on January 3, 2013 at 5:54 PM

    wow! a very powerful poem….very moving….from the heart and soul…..wow…this poet seems to be on a bright new path….thanks so much for sharing your thoughts….

  5. Andre Williams on July 3, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    GB, I like how you threw it all out there on the table, in terms of your feelings about the person you no longer would like to be. I hope you continue to reflect on your life and grow to be the best person for your loved ones.

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

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.