Not Just Words
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Poetry
The voice is beautiful; my lungs fill with a relieved gasp.
I expected a prison sentence.
A feeling of chest tightening, breath weak, metal and voices.
A life of strip searches and beatings.
But I have a table of warmth and empathy, compassion and communication.
An unwavering sense of belief and understanding, with the outcome forever changed for me, and everyone is utterly breathtaking.
A chance, I tell you, at real recovery, support and the understanding of who we are, our background, our life, our everything.
With a simple question. A simple ‘why?’
Which leads to further questions, then genuine support.
‘Why are you here?’
‘Why did you do it?’
The real truth, the further questions.
‘How can we help?’
And help.
I mean, real help.
Homes, counseling, communication, support, warmth, food, clothing, necessities and so much more.
Where the media report on the person behind the story, not a glamorous lie.
Where everyone understands that people need support and help, not hard and forced solitude.
Where governments say ‘no’ to prisons and ‘yes’ to actual help and improvement.
And do it.
Actions, not just words.
The voice is beautiful; my lungs fill with a relieved gasp.
I expected a prison sentence.
A feeling of chest tightening, breath weak, metal and voices.
A life of strip searches and beatings.
But I have a table of warmth and empathy, compassion and communication.
An unwavering sense of belief and understanding, with the outcome forever changed for me, and everyone is utterly breathtaking.
A chance, I tell you, at real recovery, support and the understanding of who we are, our background, our life, our everything.
With a simple question. A simple ‘why?’
Which leads to further questions, then genuine support.
‘Why are you here?’
‘Why did you do it?’
The real truth, the further questions.
‘How can we help?’
And help.
I mean, real help.
Homes, counseling, communication, support, warmth, food, clothing, necessities and so much more.
Where the media report on the person behind the story, not a glamorous lie.
Where everyone understands that people need support and help, not hard and forced solitude.
Where governments say ‘no’ to prisons and ‘yes’ to actual help and improvement.
And do it.
Actions, not just words.
Date Published
November 11, 2025
Lanie's Painting
By Lanie
A painting sent to us by Lanie.
Creative
ISSUE NO. 25
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1 MIN READ
Dan’s Drawing
By Dan
A drawing of Stitch from Lilo and Stitch, sent to us by Dan.
Creative
ISSUE NO. 25
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1 MIN READ
Self Reflection
By Sofia
Often I try to self-reflect which turns into waves of rings around me. This picture reflects my days in general; life is static, surrounded by waves around.
Creative
ISSUE NO. 25
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1 MIN READ
Beyond the Steel Mesh
By Anonymous
The cage stands bold, with its steel-clad mesh. For within its grip, it’s us it holds. Ten foot walls, of cold creme concrete. For outside we muster, like horses in stalls.
Creative