If Only…

If only I was born with a silver spoon
If only life was easy
If only I stayed in school instead of being the class fool
If only we had money and I was a popular kid
Would I have dropped out?
Probably not.
I wouldn’t have to hustle
I probably would never have been shot
Maybe not even stabbed
But a life like that is rare on the South Side
If only I was a different color
Would the judge have showed a lil bit more compassion?
If only I had a chance to be a kid instead of a thug
If only I could go on all day
If only I wasn’t in this cell
And I didn’t have to worry about lights out
If only…

8 Comments

  1. Sandra, an actor, writer and drama teacher on August 6, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    I don’t know you, but your words have stabbed me in the heart! Life has dealt you a raw deal! You are taking a step in the right direction by putting down in words what you feel. Keep doing that – let your words spill out all of your hurt and pain. I am a praying person – don’t know if you are – but I will pray that one day your “if onlys” turn into “I ams” – and the first one should be “I am brave.” thanks so much for sharing!

  2. keisha on August 11, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    keep hope alive and i hope you get out soon

  3. Ciara on August 11, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    I Dont Know You But Your Words Have Touched My Heart, Keep Your Head Up And I Hope You Get Out Soon.

  4. trey on August 11, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    im a freshman in high school . i really aprieciate your poem . happy birthday

  5. lamar on August 11, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    left is only easy if you make it that way

  6. kelly on August 11, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    my favorite part of dis peom was “If only I stayed in school instead of being the class fool ” which showed that u learned from ur mistake.

  7. Carolyn on September 1, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    You’ve done a lot of reflection in your poem. I like the way you ended your piece with the words “if only..” I think it makes the reader stop to think, as well.

  8. Amanda on September 3, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    If only life was easy but it’s not
    the only thing you can do is make it easier for yourslef
    (no more crime no more time)

    It sounds as if you’ve learnt from your mistakes.
    And there is a lot to be said for that; too many people walk this earth with out a care for the wrong they’ve done. You should feel proud of yourself.

    I hope you keep it that way

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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.