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In all my years
I have learned that
people never change.

That people are meant
to do the same things,

Feel the same things,
say the same things

over and over.

And what is sad
about that is
how those same people
don’t get it.

They don’t think anything of stagnation.

Only staying right where
they belong.

They can’t find peace, and they
find themselves in the chaos
of the past.

Hell, I don’t want to die
the same as I
was born.

I don’t want any of it.

If I taste love twice then please
do not let it be the same.

If I feel heartbreak, disappointment, pain
and even more, then please by all
means, do not let them arrive in unison.

I want the chaos of life in different times
and different stages of my life.

I want to be old and still feel
the bitter sting of letting go
and the sweet science behind holding on

I want to grow strong and I want
the wisdom of a thousand men

All I want is my life to have
meaning, in all forms,
shapes and sizes.

I want life
I want life
I want life

I want it at all costs
even if it means …

I am doomed to
go through the same things
more than twice.

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.

Tiffany Foster is a writer incarcerated in Colorado.