Free Minds Poem

By SB

When nobody was there, you was
When life brings me down, you’re always there to help me up
When I’m not feeling good, you always know what to say to put a smile on my face
It’s like you can read my mind even though we are so far away
And when I thought life was blank, you guys taught me how to pick back up my pen again
So I wanna thank all of my Free Minds friends for helping me open my camera lens

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65 Comments

  1. k on March 20, 2021 at 11:51 AM

    what a kind poem

  2. Albert Ivory on March 21, 2021 at 6:39 PM

    Writing is so powerful and can help us move in love. This shows how important community and support is when a person struggles. Someone is always rooting for us.

  3. Melissa Norwick on March 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM

    SB,

    I️ really enjoyed reading your poem about this program. I️ am currently a full time student and as a part of an assignment for school we needed to volunteer. I️ looked at our school service page and saw a posting for “free minds book club & writing workshop” and instantly became interested. I love to read poetry and write so this was right up my alley. Poetry allows those to expresses their feelings, thoughts, and emotions into a form of powerful writing that you choose to share with others. I️ also really like that this program is available online so that your poems can reach so many other people who might be experiencing the same thing. Thank you for taking the time to write! Even though this was a part of an assignment, this is an amazing program and I️ will continue to write feedback and read poems as much as I️ can. Keep writing, and I️ wish you the best. – MN

  4. Ayzhiana Basallo on March 24, 2021 at 1:11 AM

    Hi, I would just like to say that I loved your poem. It said so much in such a short and sweet poem. I like how you started the poem with when 3 times and just how you expressed yourself so articulately on paper.

  5. Derek H. on March 25, 2021 at 4:37 PM

    Absolutely wonderful poem! It reminded me that we always have something to say or contribute even when we may feel blank, thank you for sharing.

  6. Joe Fargo on March 25, 2021 at 10:24 PM

    Dear SB,

    Thank you for sharing this poem. I am so happy that Free Minds has been able to support you, and I hope you continue writing and continue finding hope.

    Best wishes,
    – Joe

  7. Amanda on March 26, 2021 at 3:18 PM

    Hi! I absolutely loved your poem! I had many different emotions while reading each separate line, but it made me feel so happy to read the ending. It’s so important to have at least one in person in your life that you know will always be there for you, and I’m glad you found the person.

  8. Natalie C on March 27, 2021 at 3:15 PM

    Hey SB! I just recently joined Free Minds and I love yall’s poetry! I hope you know how much you are loved. Everyone deserves a chance to have their voice be heard and I hope this program is a stepping stone for that. Never forget that you matter and you will always have people who are willing to listen. I hope you are having a great day and I can’t wait to read more of your poetry.

  9. Grace on March 27, 2021 at 4:08 PM

    Hi! I felt so touched by your poem because it lets us know that we have people and communities around us that are here for us every step of the way. It is so important that we lean on these people/ communities to cheer us up when we are down. I love that you wrote your poem about the free minds book club and writing workshop. It really shows how much of a positive impact they have had on you!

  10. Alivia on March 30, 2021 at 12:32 PM

    I love the positivity in this, and I am so glad that this website is an escape to our reality, and keeps faith in your life!

  11. Ashlen on March 30, 2021 at 6:34 PM

    SB – I am so glad you’ve picked up your pen again. Being genuinely thankful is a skill that I don’t think we talk about enough, but it feels really great and can impact every part of your life. I hope the joy your Free Minds friends is something that can stay with you for life. Keep on writing!

  12. Maria Griffin on April 1, 2021 at 9:32 AM

    SB,
    My name is Maria Griffin, and I am a second-year student at Wayne State University in Detroit. This semester, I am taking a class whose goal is to engage with the community, beyond the university and corporations.
    Your poem titled, Free Minds Poem, was very encouraging to me. The words you spoke about this organization, Free Minds, speaks to the depths of impact they are making on people’s lives every day. Free Minds allows writers like you to put out these poems and receive encouraging feedback! I think it is extra special that you engineered a way to say kind words about the impact they’ve had on you as a poet, without straying away from the poetry genre. I also like how the first three lines are in the singular tense, making the reader think you are writing to a specific loved one. But in the fourth line, you turn it to a plural tense and finally verify that you are talking about Free Minds. I think this switch in tenses is important to your poem.
    Overall, great job, SB! Your ability to combine a good review of the organization into a poem is very impressive to me, and I hope you continue to pursue your talent! I hope my comments are just as encouraging to you as your poem was to me!

  13. maggie on April 1, 2021 at 6:07 PM

    The message behind this poem is very nice and I like how it gives thanks!

  14. Ryan F. on April 1, 2021 at 6:36 PM

    Hi SB, My name is Ryan, and I teach college writing courses at Wayne State University in Detroit. It’s always inspiring to me to see people find satisfaction and solace through writing. I just learned about Free Minds, so your poem stood out to me because it’s one that’s talking about the group and your connection to it specifically. I really like the last line of your poem, and how you matched the last 3 syllable count and rhyme of the middle of the sentence and the end of the sentence. I also really liked the imagery of “camera lens.” I felt like you didn’t use a ton of imagery until that point in the poem, and that kind of made it stand out even more.
    I don’t know when you wrote this poem, but I hope you’ve been able to keep writing. And I hope that your friends at freeminds have helped keep you seeing things through a new lens. I hope you are well and staying strong in these crazy times. Best wishes,
    Ryan F.

  15. ken on April 2, 2021 at 1:11 PM

    This poem was a nice read. It is always good know that we are helping y’all out just by writing back to y’all about your amazing poems! This poem showed your emotions and your gratitude towards the readers. It was very well written and I enjoyed it a lot! Keep up the amazing work and never stop writing!!

  16. Leenda on April 4, 2021 at 12:51 PM

    This is such a sweet poem <3 I'm glad you have a place to express your art and learn to smile and put yourself out there. I think that's absolutely amazing and this is a great poem to showcase your gratitude and your roots. It's amazing that technology has brought us all so much together even in far away places. Keep up the great work 🙂

  17. maggie on April 4, 2021 at 9:22 PM

    This poem is inspiring and I like how it focuses on a positive person in their lives!

  18. Cameron on April 5, 2021 at 10:57 AM

    SB,
    I love this poem! I’m so glad that Free Minds has helped you find your creative outlet again. I know it’s helped me. Reading all of your poetry helps me feel so connected to all of you, even though we’ve never met. And just like you, Free Minds has helped remind me of why I like to create and write. Thank YOU for writing these poems!
    -Cameron

  19. Rachel Smith on April 5, 2021 at 5:27 PM

    SB, I love this poem! It is so short and sweet and means so much! I’m so glad you have continued to use writing as an outlet and have remained creative even during times of struggle! Keep writing!

  20. Laney Tarr on April 6, 2021 at 10:44 AM

    SB,
    Thank you so much for this poem. I’m glad you feel as connected to Free Minds as we feel to your poetry. Thank you for inspiring me to write!
    -Laney Tarr

  21. Vera Chaudhry on April 6, 2021 at 12:02 PM

    SB,

    This is such a beautiful poem. I especially love the metaphors of the camera lens at the end. I love the Free Minds community.

  22. Brittani Forman on April 7, 2021 at 3:06 PM

    Hey SB
    I love this poem. It is very kind of you to dedicate a poem to the people who helped you

  23. Taylor T. on April 8, 2021 at 7:53 PM

    Hi SB,
    I really enjoyed reading your poem. I am currently an occupational therapy student, and I was given an assignment to search out volunteer opportunities and to write about my experience with it. Through searching, I was instantly drawn to Free Minds because of their mission and values. I love that Free Minds has given you a platform where you can express yourself through such powerful and lovely words. You have really captured how much this opportunity has meant to you in such as short and simple poem. Keep positive and never put that pen back down! Thank you for sharing & best wishes.
    -T.T.

  24. Julia Rinaldi on April 8, 2021 at 8:53 PM

    SB,

    I loved your poem so much! It is amazing to hear that this organization truly helped you find your creative space and your talent! Writing is seriously for you. Thank you for sharing.

    Julia

  25. MM on April 8, 2021 at 10:19 PM

    SB,

    I am so grateful to be able to interact with the Free Minds community and I am glad that you are able to feel inspired to write more for this community. I think I can speak on everyone’s behalf that we appreciate being able to read some of the creative poems that you and other members write about. Although I am not a writer myself, I feel motivated to get in touch with my creative side. Thank you for the inspiration!

  26. Anna on April 14, 2021 at 7:36 PM

    SB,

    I am so glad that this program has brought you so much support. Being able to connect with all of you through your poetry has brought me a lot of joy as well. I truly enjoy scrolling through Free Minds in my free time and being able to hear your stories. Keep writing!! You have such a bright future ahead of you!

  27. Anna on April 16, 2021 at 12:05 PM

    SB, I love this poem you wrote!! It is so meaningful and powerful to the people around you. I am so glad you have found a place to release your thoughts and ideas into the world. It is so important to have supporting people around you, and I’m so glad you do! Keep writing, you are amazing!

  28. Emily H on April 16, 2021 at 6:09 PM

    Hi SB, my name is Emily I attend college in Detroit. I came across this website for one of my classes in which we are engaging in service and community. Through this english class and a few others I have taken, I have learned how powerful writing can truly be. Our words have a way to shape others and make them think. Our words can make or break someone’s day just based off something we have written down or spoken. I enjoyed reading about how writing has made an impact in your life. It seems like it brought on a sense of self and belonging. My favorite line is “when I’m not feeling good, you always know what to say to put a smile on my face”. It is so powerful that through writing you have developed a sense of community with the people on Free Minds. You are able to hear about how your work has helped others and in turn your work is helping yourself as well. I hope that you continue writing because this poem was great. I am so glad that you were able to open up so people could see the work you can and will come up with!

  29. Saini M. on April 17, 2021 at 3:03 PM

    Thank you for using Free Minds to express yourself and as an outlet! I loved this poem and it is people like you that are inspiring to us everyday! Keep up the good work!

  30. Edmon on April 17, 2021 at 6:00 PM

    SB,
    Im Edmon and I am in a college English class at Wayne State that hat aims to engage with the community beyond the university and corporations.This is a super nice poem and still very deep while being brief. Its really cool how Free minds was able to help you be creative. I feel like you’ve had things that have regulated you from being creative but free minds has enabled you to be creative again. Good job and Good luck.

  31. Emily Pedoto on April 18, 2021 at 6:08 PM

    SB, I love this poem! It’s so uplifting and positive. I am happy that Free Minds has helped you!

  32. KB on April 19, 2021 at 7:17 PM

    Beautiful poem. So happy that you could have an outlet on Free Minds. Thank you for sharing your amazing work.

  33. Alexa Ruperti on April 19, 2021 at 9:16 PM

    SB,
    I am so glad that you are so appreciative of this creative outlet, you’re clearly making very good use of it. I can tell your poem was written with love and your words are very encouraging. Good job!

  34. AD on April 20, 2021 at 11:46 PM

    I really enjoyed reading this poem. It is so inspiring to see someone who has such a positive outlet for their emotions, like writing poetry. It is also really amazing that you share your work with others who can relate on this website

  35. CA on April 21, 2021 at 4:52 PM

    SB,
    Keep your head held high because you are going far in life. I am happy that you gained the courage to write again. I can tell that you have a bright heart and open mind. Keep writing because you are very talented.

    CA

  36. Rachel Salzstein on April 21, 2021 at 5:07 PM

    This poem is very powerful! I know what it’s like to feel alone and empty, but having a creative and uplifting outlet got me out of that hole. This poem clearly expressed that for you. What a wonderful read.

  37. Rohit on April 24, 2021 at 8:00 PM

    Short and simple yet you’ve managed to express so much. I’m glad to be able to take part in this wonderful experience with you.

  38. Andrea Shipley on April 25, 2021 at 8:40 PM

    SB, I loved this poem!

  39. Ana Canning on April 25, 2021 at 8:57 PM

    This poem made me feel very good knowing that people have a community like this, even if it is all virtual and no one has actually met. I think this is such a cool connection that people have, as there are so many different topics that can inspire so many different people.

  40. Finlay Wood on April 26, 2021 at 1:56 PM

    What a wonderfully crafted Poem, very emotionally empowering and charming that you now have a platform to help express your thoughts, feelings and talents.
    Thank you for sharing this piece!

  41. Jay on April 28, 2021 at 7:49 PM

    I really enjoyed this poem, because it says a lot in a few lines. It was relatable to me immediately – you mentioned people who are always there for you no matter what and I stopped to think about who those people are in my life.
    Like yourself, I have others who are able to pick me up when I’m feeling down and put a smile on my face, no matter what. It’s good to know that you have people who can act as a support system, from far away. I’m so happy that you have this outlet to express yourself and feel connected to other writers/readers.

  42. cm on May 2, 2021 at 5:00 PM

    Hello SB – I am currently in a college English class called Writing and Community where we focus on writing and interacting with the community outside of the university. I really enjoyed your poem about the power of writing and how much Free Minds has changed your life. Writing can be such an important outlet for feelings, ideas, and emotions, and I think it is so great that you have found a passion for writing. I hope you continue to write and express yourself through poetry, it is such a healthy outlet and something you can continue to do for your entire life. I wish you good luck in the future!

  43. Aracelli on May 2, 2021 at 11:00 PM

    Hi SB! I really like the love you show for your friends who have helped you. I also love that you have learned to express yourself through writing. Everyone has a story and thoughts to share, and it’s so important to make everyone feel like their voice is important.

  44. Erin Moriarty on May 3, 2021 at 10:46 PM

    SB,
    I loved this poem!!! It made me smile from ear to ear. Your poem is so beautiful and uplifting, and I am so glad that Free Minds book club brings joy to your life, because your poetry brought so much joy to my day. I loved your use of positive, uplifting words and rhyme scheme. Please continue to write poetry, excellent job!

  45. Grace Denno on May 4, 2021 at 1:32 PM

    I am a student in a community service course at Wayne State in Detroit whose goal is to engage with the community beyond the university. When I discovered Free Minds I was immediately thrilled to see the connections build around your writings and heart, and what you have to offer is a powerful and beautiful gift to the community. It was a true privilege getting the opportunity to read what is on your heart and mind, your desires and passions, thoughts, and struggles. You have so much to say, so much wisdom to give, and such deep experiences and desires to share with the community that people from all walks of life, backgrounds, beliefs, and ages can deeply connect with and affiliate with. Keep engaging with the community and making your voice heard. You bring healing, hope, and renewal of mind to many who have the privilege to share in your poetry. Your poem is a beautiful testament to the power of Free Minds. It really is a magical and thrilling place to turn to when you are down or feeling completely hopeless and overwhelmed. Sometimes a good piece of writing, a book, a poem, or art can do that for us. It can lift us up, put a smile on our face, inspire us, and read our minds. Keep writing, you are a powerful storyteller and a kind soul.

  46. Carly reno on May 6, 2021 at 2:53 PM

    Hi SB,
    I love how you talk about your relationship with free minds friends! I love how you used your “camera lens” as a metaphor for your vision and seeing peoples true identities and colors. Not everyone will be a fan or friend of you but it is important to stay true to yourself. When you are brought down, it can be hard to come back up but you always come back up more wise and stronger each time. I am so glad that you are able to express your emotions and feelings with the free minds book club. I hope you continue to expand with your poetry because it is truly a gift that you have! Thanks for sharing this poem, I love it!
    Carly R

  47. Jarraed Allen on June 11, 2021 at 9:35 AM

    I liked your poem, its short but straight to the point and the message you trying to get across is easy to understand. Showing love and thanks to those that have been there for you during difficult times is always a nice gesture.

  48. Julia Bruffey on September 20, 2021 at 5:29 PM

    I’m so glad that the free minds club has given you motivation to write, because you really are amazing. I know for me at least, writing helps get things off my chest and I hope it’s the same for you. Keep writing and we’ll keep reading and commenting! I wish you the best of luck!!

  49. Sanjana on October 17, 2021 at 4:12 PM

    I like how your poem is concise yet very descriptive. It is very uplifting and has a great rhythm to it as well!

  50. Al on October 17, 2021 at 5:24 PM

    Dear SB,

    Thank you for sharing your poem. It is so beautiful to read how literal and emotional photography is being applied in the words of your poem. Everyday we are observing life through a certain lens, I think that your poem does a wonderful job expressing those feelings

  51. Shaili on October 17, 2021 at 5:57 PM

    Thank you for sharing this poem! It’s touching to see that you have found a positive outlet & I hope that you keep writing!

  52. Bhavin C Narotam on October 18, 2021 at 1:31 AM

    Short and straight to the point. I think you accomplished the message you are trying to get across in a simple way.

  53. Chynel on November 4, 2021 at 12:20 PM

    Thank you for your kind words! I feel very honored to have read all these wonderful poems from the Free Minds community. Please keep writing and sharing your thoughts/ideas/stories/emotions with all of us here at Free Minds.

  54. Jasmine Myles on November 19, 2021 at 1:22 PM

    I love your poem! I can relate to it a lot and it was easy to read. It was simple but I had a lot of meaning behind it. I hope you continue to write and I hope you continue to smile. I believe that you will go far in life!

  55. JB on April 8, 2022 at 2:48 PM

    Aw, this made me smile. I’m so glad that you appreciate Free Minds and those who comment. I enjoy reading these poems, and it feels good that you enjoy reading the comments. Thank you so much for this! I hope you continue to write and that I can read more of your work.

  56. Zach on April 13, 2022 at 6:26 PM

    This poem was great, I love how it directly referenced this amazing organization and what they have done for you! I also loved how you directly referenced how it has affected you, like putting the smile on your face! That was great and I really enjoyed reading your poem! Thanks for sharing!

  57. Zach on April 26, 2022 at 11:20 AM

    I enjoyed reading this a lot. You had great connections and solid word choice!

  58. Kaylee on May 9, 2022 at 10:01 AM

    I love how you give thanks to the person that gave you positivity when things were bad.

  59. Kora on May 31, 2022 at 6:44 PM

    SB,
    this is a very sweet poem to thank all of the wonderful people that are responsible for keeping Free Minds alive. Your writing is easily understandable and impactful for the point you are getting across. I hope you still write and have such a great relationship with Free Minds. Continue to use writing as an outlet to express yourself.

  60. aaliyah on October 23, 2022 at 8:58 PM

    Hello SB, your poem was so great! The way you describe the loyalty, and compassion of your friends, and how they are always there when you need them to be is so heartwarming. Nowadays it’s hard to find people who stick besides you even when things get ugly, so when you find those rare few people who never leave your side no matter what, and always encourages you to be the best version of yourself, you know you hit jackpot. Me and my best friend have been friends since kindergarten and now I’m in college. She’s like a sister to me, and there no one who knows me better than I know myself but her. I’m so happy they also helped motivate you to start writing again. Your friends seem truthfully happy to see you doing what makes you happy the best, and I’m glad you’re giving things a second try. I really hope I get to read other works by you as well. Thank you so much for sharing this poem!!
    I wish you the best!- Aaliyah.

  61. KC on October 27, 2022 at 5:25 PM

    SB,

    Thank you for sharing this! I hope writing is an outlet you never stop using. Your words are powerful, and your thoughts are valuable. Keep writing!

  62. EH on November 6, 2022 at 9:40 PM

    SB,

    Your writing has as much an impact on us readers as do our responses to your poems have on you. It’s refreshing to hear about this program having such a positive influence on you. This poem might be short in length but that doesn’t take away from how impactful it is, it encourages me to be more open in responses on these posts in general because it serves as a reminder that on the other end of each of these poems is a real person going through their own daily trials and tribulations of life, and that a mere comment might go a long way in lessening the burden of those struggles. I too am thankful for you and your writing.

  63. Cassidy on November 15, 2022 at 9:24 AM

    Hi SB,

    I loved reading this poem and understanding how much Free Minds Poetry has impacted you and your life! It is really important to share these experiences and I’m so glad you did. I love the first line in your poem “When nobody was there, you was”. This shows how you’ve relied upon Free Minds Poetry as a way to express yourself, connect with others, and share your thoughts with your peers. I love that you imply how you’ve gained inspiration from Free Minds Poetry. Writing and poetry are such strong forces of connection and expression. I’m so glad you have experienced a positive impact!

    Best,
    CB

  64. Meghan on November 19, 2022 at 7:18 PM

    This poem is the sweetest poem I have read from this website. It is great to know that the Free Minds poetry project is effecting people. The best line of the poem is “And when I thought life was blank, you guys taught me how to pick back up my pen again.” It is so cool to see incarcerated people helping other incarcerated people on this website. Keep up the great work!

  65. Jill on November 20, 2022 at 2:33 PM

    This is a very nice poem and it shows how people replying to the poem can really have a positive impact on the people writing them. You have such a great way of writing and I really hope you continue on with it. This organization is amazing and I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to read poems like yours because it is truly eye-opening and impactful as well. Keep up the amazing work!

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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.