Poem: “Don’t Give Up”
Don’t Give Up
I have come so far
There is so much I have seen
There is much more I want to see
But my incarceration tortures me
I keep my minds on books
That’s what keeps me free
I’m a free man in my thoughts
My body is stuck behind this cell.
23 Comments
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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.
encouraging words.
Hi,
The writing here was great! As someone who has never been imprisoned, your words make me more grateful of my situation. It is very unique that you separate your physical presence from your mental presence. Being physically boxed in versus mentally is a huge difference to your perseverance. I wish you well!
Thanks for sharing!
Don’t give up,
This poem is encouraging for people imprisoned all over and those who feel mentally imprisoned as well. I’ve always been taught that mental freedom and happiness is the key to a great life. Although you are imprisoned, you don’t necessarily feel incapable because your mind allows you to imagine. That’s encouraging to read and I wish you the best!
Thanks for sharing..
Hi,
I was really touched by what you wrote. It is so nice to read that you are staying strong through this hardship. Keep fighting
I really like this poem because it is raw and gives the reader a picture of what you are thinking and experiencing. It is beautiful that despite feeling your body is stuck, your mind and thoughts are free. Your poem left me wanting to hear more. Very beautifully written, keep writing!
I love the perspective you present in this poem! I completely agree that you have so much to offer the world. It is hard when we can’t surpass our physical limitations, yet our minds crave more. Keep reading and writing! Your thoughts and words are powerful; use them!
KC
Your words were very moving and powerful. The poem speaks volumes about the human body and its resilience in finding ways to remain free, even if we are confined. Keep writing and using books, writing, and Free Minds as a outlet!
Thank you!
SM
Thank you for sharing your story. I think it can be really hard to be physically trapped somewhere, but I do think the mind is super powerful and that is something no one can talk away. Keep reading and keeping your mind free because it can do amazing things for you. Keep seeing what no one else can see and a place beyond the cell. I know you can get there some day, and I hope it can be your strength to keep going!
This is really inspiring. I cannot even begin to imagine the emotions that come with being incarcerated. I really enjoyed the line “I’m a free man in my thoughts”, this line to me showed great strength and power in your ability to find comfort in books. Wonderful job and keep writing!
Hello, thanks for sharing this vulnerable touching message,I could connect massively to the words you are saying, you have so much to offer, no matter what keep your head up and strive for a better tomorrow.
Don’t give up, indeed! I LOVED how you alluded to your mind being free with the books you read, even though your body is physically behind bars! Great poem, thank you for sharing!
Best,
Samantha
I really like this poem because it is raw and gives the reader a picture of your thoughts and experiences in a time that must be so tough for you.
I struggle with addiction and suicidal thoughts, and I repeat those 3 words to myself on a daily basis. Truly, writing and reading frees me of my chains. I am weightless when writing papers and reading for assignments. I live a life of privilege that may never be able to be compared to your struggles, but those words you wrote touched my heart and I want to thank you for letting me know that I am not alone. God is good, brother.
Your line “I keep my minds on books
That’s what keeps me free”
Is so powerful because books and reading and education is so important to being free, it’s the freedom of knowledge, “Free in thought” and you say. Keep writing! You have a powerful message here.
“I’m a free man in my thoughts, my body is stuck behind this cell”. This is a great ending for the poem! Keep on reading and thinking!
“There is much more I want to see.”
– It’s a good point to bring up that the more you have seen in life, the more it sucks to have that freedom stripped and forced to wait. I am sorry you have to endure this, but I hope it gets better and I wish you the best!
~JP
~JP
I thought it was clever how you incorporated Free Minds within your poem. I am sorry for what you are feeling and what you have to go, it must be a hard feeling wanting to do so much more in the world but your only option is to sit incarcerated. It is good you are finding ways to keep yourself busy. I am sure a lot of people can relate to you, and I wish you the best of luck.
Dear author, to begin this poem was so vivid and emotional to read. I know you feel trapped, and my words may seem like no help, but I want You to keep the mind set of not giving up. I always like to think that the grass is greener somewhere because sometimes it takes some of us longer than others to find that better place. I like how you said you keep your mind on books. This is a good hobby to have when being in a crappy situation. I love to read. Mainly because you can imagine the story however, you’d like. There’s no rules or limits to creativity. Sometimes reading was all I had too in the lowest moments of my life, and that’s how I became in love with it, and writing as well. It allowed me to express myself in ways I couldn’t with other people. I hope it does wonders for you like it did me in this time of struggle. Again, I love this poem that you wrote, it really did make me think more about how our prison treats people, and how hard this experience might be from your share. Thank you so much for haring this poem.
I wish you well- Aaliyah
Your poem is something that I needed to read right now. I have been struggling with mental health currently and getting my life together. You write with such passion and also heart and giving people inspiration. I hope you keep writing and I can’t wait to read what you write.
I like the positivity that shines through this piece. I appreciate that you have been able to find an escape to look at life from a different lens. It is important to stay positive. Keep it up!
Your poem is very inspiring and beautiful. There are always obstacles in people’s lives that hold them back no matter where they are in life, but what matters is how you keep your head up during that time. Life has probably been so hard for you but you are stronger than it. Keep keeping on
Hello. Although your incarceration “tortures you” it really shows a lot about your character that you are still able to find joy in literature and writing. Although you are not actually free, you’re right, you have free thoughts. Let those thoughts take you somewhere free. I hope you continue to find joy in writing poetry because this poem is outstanding!
Hello! Thank you for sharing your poem with us, I really enjoyed reading it. Keep staying strong and don’t give up!
this was a very encouraging poem with a pleasant message. keep fighting the good fight!