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Photo by Eddie Herena

From within a cell I live
with nothing but knowledge to give.
From within a cell I soar
crying loud as a lion’s roar. 
From within a cell I suffer
the horror making me shudder. 
From within a cell I write
Expressing myself with all my might.
From within a cage I’m tamed
Treated like an animal well-trained. 
From within a cage I rage
anger builds into volcanic flames.
From within a cage I age
gray hair takes center stage.
From within a cage I pray
asking God to save the day.
From within a cage I cry
sentenced to die until I fry.

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 is a writer incarcerated on death row in California.