Poem: “College”
College
Most young poets talk about the ghetto
But I’ll talk about college
That’s where I wanna be
To obtain some knowledge
I wanna be out from behind bars
In a college class getting ready for the future
And learning from the past
People think being behind bars
Makes you change your ways
But in reality it only makes you worse
‘Cause there are inmates all around you
With a criminal thirst
We wanna steal, rob and kill
Because we think
There’s nothing to look forward to
We can do what we wanna do
Now in college I can study black history
But behind bars my people are a mystery
Now when I get released
I wanna go to college
Because there’s no point in living
If we don’t have knowledge!
8 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.
Dear Free Minds Poet: Yes, there IS something to look forward to and you just have to keep imagining it like you’re doing now! Great poem, one that I’d love to share with my students because they take their education for granted. They don’t value it the way you do. Keep writing! ~Mary
This is amazing! It’s very creative and insightful. I’m going to college soon and I’m really looking forward to learning more knowledge, just as you aspire to do. Keep looking ahead, you’ll go places!
Learning is the so transformative and has a much better chance of “rehabilitating” a person than incarceration could ever hope to! Thank you for reminding me how lucky I am to be a student, and I pray that the day soon comes when you can frame your bachelor’s in Black History.
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. In regards to your poem “College,” it was very reflective and goal drive. Education is such a timeless gift that should never be taken for granted or squandered. You understand the significance of it and crave its knowledge which is so evident from your work. Maybe you can find some way to learn something new each day and simulate some sort of learning through books or something. I wish you all the best and hope one day you will see your college dreams fulfilled!
I love how your poem focuses on the positives that are coming in your future. Learning is so important, and it is something that we are never finished doing! You have a lifetime of learning to look forward to. Wonderful poem and I hope you continue to write!
This poem is amazing. I really like how you take something negative and turn it into something positive for your future. I think that takes a lot of strength and courage that you should be so proud of yourself for having. I think college is a great opportunity for everyone not only to get an education but to further yourself as a person.
there are a-lot of things to look forward too.. maybe like the possibility of you getting out soon.. Im in college and i ca say a lot of students here take their education for granted, if i could show every one in my college this poem i would, maybe it will show them how lucky they are to be able to go to college. I know i am grateful.
This is such a hard-hitting poem. As a black woman, I know how important it is to learn about your own history. Grab all of the books you can hold while you are wherever you are, you are a part of black history in your own way. I bet you could teach people so much.