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Photo by Mat Reding on Unsplash

On some days,
I want to lay down and die
On other days,
I need to live forever
When will I make up my mind 
ascertain my attraction for frigid weather.
I’m alive but I’m minus endeavor
I’m dead no, I’m tougher than leather.
God damnit, can’t I be better
than every genius’ rich letters
The humanity inside me is severed
Outnumbered my enemies are so clever
Manipulating thy simple measure
Lust is just an immature pleasure
Swiss cheese tastes better than cheddar
My mother never made me a sweater.
On some days
I want to lay down and die
On other days
I need to live forever
When will I make up my mind
Ascertain my affinity for frozen weather.

Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Christopher Henriquez

Christopher Henriquez is a writer incarcerated on Death Row at San Quentin State Prison in California.