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Photo by casther via Depositphotos

after the bars and the gates,
the degradations and the lockups,

after the chains get entangled
or the bars get stuck

after the tears, disappointments, and the lonely isolations,

what’s next? is what I ask
this is my situation,

returning to an advanced society
staying focused on my future,

leaving my past behind me,
looking back isn’t an option.

I’ve lived and I’ve learned,
it’s up to me how to react,
it’s up to me to rectify,
sit down and redact,

red letters for the future.
life lessons to motto,

desiring to leave behind a legacy,
generations to follow.

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 Reece, also known as Bobo Amin, is a writer incarcerated in Michigan. He has been in prison since 2006.