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I was adopted at birth
and raised by amazing parents.

But I was spoiled and narcissistic
walking down the wrong path
full of greed, selfishness and apathy.

Only after being in prison did I start to see
the trouble, pain and suffering I caused
my loving parents.

We are born to this planet,
raised by amazing Mother Nature.

But we are spoiled and narcissistic
driving down concrete super highways
full of greed, selfishness and apathy.

Only after our world is destroyed will we start to see
the trouble, pain and suffering we caused
our loving earth.

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.

Matthew Feeney is a writer and poet who has won awards from PEN America and the League of Minnesota Poets. Feeney's writing has appeared in journals and anthologies, including The Analog Sea Review, The Pinyon Review, and Evening Street Review. Three of his poems were performed live at the 2019 World Voices Festival in New York City. Feeney is incarcerated in Minnesota.