The Unknown Words of Solitude

By AP

They say I should be used to living in a cage
Because all my life I have been trapped in pain
But if they only knew solitude educated me and kept me from going insane

It’s true that I am a product of my community
And I continue to pray that one day society would stop judging me
And give me equal opportunity

The color of my skin doesn’t speak of who I am
So your insults don’t affect me mentally because I am well educated, talented
And proud of who I am

America can be so cruel and mean
But that has never stopped me from believing in my American dream

Hard times in the ghetto raised me to be mentally and emotionally strong
So when they tell me I will never be nothing after prison
It only motivates me to prove them wrong

I know that life after prison can be a success
Especially if I continue to be determined to succeed and have faith in myself

10 Comments

  1. arinaxborodkina@gmail.com on March 17, 2020 at 12:05 AM

    Dear AP,
    I am so proud of you for writing and working hard towards your goals. You are more than your past and where you were raised. I believe in you and your dreams. Keep writing poems, I would love to continue reading them. Sending you warmth and light,
    Arina

  2. Jen Des on March 25, 2020 at 1:53 PM

    This poem speaks to me. I am one of the ones that are helping those that are getting out. I help them find a job. So there is hope for you that there are others like me out there helping. I love your poem. It shows hope and a change in mindset that will make your successful. Good luck. Keep writing!!

  3. FA on April 10, 2020 at 12:38 PM

    This is an inspiring poem! I’m glad to hear that you wont let others judge you because your proud of who you are. I feel that is something everybody struggles with. If you believe in your self and work hard, success is always around the corner. Thank you for this great poem.

  4. Kayelynn on April 13, 2020 at 5:15 PM

    AP,

    It’s great how you turned solitude — which can be seen as such a negative thing — into something positive that helped you evolve as a person. It goes to show that a lot of things in life can change based on perception. You have a way with words that can move readers, like it moved me. Awesome poem and I look forward to you proving your naysayers wrong!

  5. Matthew Wootten on April 24, 2020 at 12:40 AM

    “solitude educated me and kept me from going insane” is a really clever line, especiallly as it turns on its head the idea that solitude itself is always harmful. If you can manage such intense isolation and thrive, how much better will you be able to adjust to freedom!

  6. Jocelyn Matos on April 28, 2020 at 6:41 PM

    Great poem, Be the change!

  7. Katie on May 1, 2020 at 12:16 PM

    You will fulfill you American dream! Your words are very inspiring and powerful. Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue to write.

  8. kassidilenae on June 10, 2020 at 11:59 PM

    AP,

    Thank you for sharing your work with us. I admire your determination to succeed.You acknowledge the injustice in society, yet you don’t let your obstacles knock you down. Continue to hold on to your faith and motivation.

    Keep writing!

  9. Missy on August 30, 2020 at 9:05 PM

    Your poem is very inspiring and I feel hope from it. I also FEEL your strength and courage from reading your words. And it also makes me want to say to you that I’m sorry America is mean, and I’m sorry for all the pain you have gone through. You have so much to offer this world, and I wish you so many blessings and know that people like me are rooting for you all the way! Continue to be strong! The world needs more people like you!

  10. JM on November 11, 2020 at 2:23 PM

    Dear AP,

    Thank you for writing and sharing this poem. The rhyming lines throughout made your message even more powerful. I really enjoyed the hopefulness and self confidence you conveyed through your lines. I was really impressed by the attitudes of resilience and pride that you expressed in this poem, and I hope you continue to carry that forward with you. I like that you recount the experience of growing stronger despite obstacles and end with a confident and forward-looking statement. Thanks again for sharing– this poem reminded me to be proud and bolster my own pride going forward.

    Best,
    JM

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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.