Australia's National Prison Newspaper

Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

ISSUE NO. 12
JULY 2025

Creative

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!

Latest
Against All Odds: The Story of a Little Shrub
By Sam

Once upon a time, a sleepy little shrub lived a contented but impoverished life in a quiet shady corner of a garden. Although the little shrub did not complain, it was much smaller than most of its other friends, and its branches were thin and twig-like.

ISSUE NO. 12
6 MIN READ
Willy Pleasance
Malnight, Junee Correctional Centre in New South Wales
By Alex

I remember the day I saw you, I held your tiny form. The chilly air made you tremble, so, we took you home. You grew up so quickly, to our great surprise, and tore around the unit, right before our eyes.

ISSUE NO. 12
2 MIN READ
By Garry

Our ego asked what is our purpose. We search for enlightenment, it’s in us all. Happiness is a choice so make it yours. Forgiveness of others will lead you to peace.

ISSUE NO. 12
2 MIN READ
By Shelly (Rachelle)

Sitting in this cage, barbed wire all around. Been transported here, but first my wrists are bound. Heavy metal locked, no chance of breaking free.

ISSUE NO. 12
2 MIN READ
By Cody

The brooding castle had overlooked our town since time immemorial. Its dark parapets loomed over us, perched high on the behemoth mountain so familiar to me. I had lived in its shadow my whole life.

ISSUE NO. 12
2 MIN READ
By LV

Let go, let go of your enemies. Let go, let go of your hate. Let go and forgive.

ISSUE NO. 12
2 MIN READ
Anonymous

Doing time together, under lock and key, but helping others can set your mind free. The past is gone, the future’s not arrived, focus on now, be glad to be alive.

ISSUE NO. 12
2 MIN READ
By Krystal

I found this poem titled Until and I wrote a poem on my reflection to it.

ISSUE NO. 12
2 MIN READ
Vishal draws from Alexander Maconochie Centre, ACT.
Previous Editions

ISSUE NO. 11

June 2025

‘Rhyme Doin’ Time’

By Jeff

Now sit in cell of nought to read, the glasses gone! Of what I need! I ask the system, to provide, for that, my sight be magnified.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 11

June 2025

Golden Mud

By Leonor (through Somebody’s Daughter art programs in DPFC and Tarrengower prison)

This painting was inspired by a photo that I found in the National Geographic of January 2011 taken by Robin Hammond. It’s a gold miner in the border province of Manica.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 11

June 2025

My Name is Meth: A Poem of Truth

By Kelly Flanagan

I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that’s just the start. I’m more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold, the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 11

June 2025

Broke My Heart

By Mahina

Being in jail has given me time to think, as I lay in my bed and slowly sink.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 11

June 2025

Ode to Ashton – Now Eighteen

By Jacqui

My little boy has grown so strong, I can’t believe its been this long, since he raised his tiny head, and gazed at me in the hospital bed.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 11

June 2025

My Brother Anthony

By Karie

Brain tumour, brain tumour, a darkness you can’t see, oh how I hate you, you took my brother away from me.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 11

June 2025

Jesus DMC – Based on a True Story

By John

Rob (my cellie) and I were about to go to sleep one miserable cold night, and a mouse (Jesus DMC) died and went up to the pearly gates and knocked.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 10

May 2025

You Were Warned

By Anastasia

If you turn to drugs instead, to silence the villains in your head. Or to minimise the self harm to your arm, without causing alarm.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 10

May 2025

Journey in a Poem

By April

Three four walls to sit in. Three four thoughts to think in.

1 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 10

May 2025

A Beacon of Joy

By Denis

In every ripple, her essence I find, a memory cherished, sweetly entwined. Her smile, a memory, forever aglow, like creeks that swell, and never forego.

2 MIN READ
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