This section publishes creative contributions mostly from currently and formerly incarcerated people. It includes short-stories, poetry, creative nonfiction, art, and much more.
If you have something creative to submit to us, we would love to read it, or see it, and publish it in About Time – please write to us!
Life is only short my son, with so many paths to take, life is an uphill struggle, with every step you make. That’s why you must treasure life, with every second of the day, because you may never know, when it’s your turn to go away.
I dream, and think, and feel from the opposite side of the city, in a cell of grey and steel, about our home – peaceful and pretty.
The outside on the inside, steals passion for fun. When arrows come from far and wide, facing the new shiny sun, with dignity. There are ribbons in the fire, and lives still painfully on hold. Beneath the folds of desire, the barred windows still remain cold indefinitely.
I’ve done almost 10 years in prison and I’m totally done with it now and can’t wait to be out away from this place.
If I couldn't do my art I would of done something crazy or gone crazy it's starting to take it's toll on me.
Why should you suffer for my pain. Knowledge in this I should try to gain. Does it feel I have left you alone? It may feel I have cut you to the bone, but please believe me, my love is true, I know in the past I didn’t know what to do.
Memories arise, an echo's gentle sway, circling 'round me, crays of yesterday. Recalling her smile, so beautiful and bright, a beacon of joy in the softest light.
My name is Zoe. I am 37 years old and I was in prison for 6 years. I am currently on parole and have been out of prison for a year and a half. Since then I have been a core member of the Formerly Incarcerated Girls Justice Advocates Melbourne (FIGJAM) Collective.
All men love their freedom, and the freedom they do take. Freedom can be lost, by making many mistakes. Don't take freedom for granted, as they may take it away. Prisons were invented, just to make a young man pay.
When the light returns and the long night fades, and dawn slips soft through shadowed shades, you feel the hush before the day – a whisper of grace that finds its way.
They expect us to play ball, but always move the goalposts. They expect us to hold boundaries, the same they overstep. They want us to abide, but break their own rules.
Christmas day without my family, was such a terrible burden to bare, no Christmas tree, decorations, no presents, no laughter, no joy, no Christmas fare.
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