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Photo by the blowup on Unsplash

Here lies our friend
At least that’s what we all said
Yeah, he met a tragic end,
But truth be told he’s better off dead

He had so much potential
Yet his life was really a waste
Pain and sorrow monumental
A whole life misery laced

Full of good intentions
So we know where he’s headed
Hope he finds peace in that dimension
Instead of the fire that he dreaded

Could’ve been such a good father
Husband, uncle and son
Even could’ve been a scholar
But he failed at every one

The time got the best of him
In the end he couldn’t cope
They found him with blue skin
Hanging from a tattered rope.

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.

Kevin D. Lewis is a writer and poet incarcerated in California.