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Dear brother, before you kill,
think about the first murder,
It’ll turn your heart to steel.
Self expression is a blessing that we take for granted,
your death is what it would take to make straight the slanted.
In the end, revenge will take another eye;
I’ll look you in your face and take your life,
before I go blind.
That pain of loss will never be filled,
dig your grave too once you are ready to kill.
I’m not the one for violence prevention,
the victor will be the victim,
I’m hoping you listen.
Lil brother, when you leave to put a life at ease
say a prayer before you squeeze.
Death is a contagious disease.

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.

Carnell Wingfield Jr.

Carnell Wingfield Jr. is a writer and poet incarcerated in California. He is a sociology major at Feather River College and also graduated with distinction from Blackstone Career Institute's paralegal course.