Dan’s Drawing
A drawing of Stitch from Lilo and Stitch, sent to us by Dan.
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!

A drawing of Stitch from Lilo and Stitch, sent to us by Dan.
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.
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.
I know you think you’re broken far too much to ever heal properly, like all those other folk that make life seem so real.
“The colours of the rainbow so pretty in the sky." The colours of my jocks lying, on a bench. Uncovered by shutters. Unarmed waiting snakes.
You begin to scream and shout. Roll about time to let it all out. Emotions running wild from the hurt and pain. It’s starting to hurt my brain.
Do you feel confined, please sympathise my pain. The lack of understanding, I find it very vain. Just imagine freedom, independence stripped from you, how would you feel and what would you do.
Another day another cell, can’t believe I’m locked in a cell. Imagine this is what it’s like living in hell, lawyers to pay but no money and nothing to sell!

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.

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.

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.
Home sounds so sweet to the heart, if only shown from the very start. I only wish for my hands to be freed, don’t beat me up about my past. Coz I truly am a good seed.

There's demons in my mind, I'm struggling to think. Life's leaving me behind, as deeper, I sink.

This image depicts the wild woman and the apple tree. It is inspired by the character 'Aofie' in this year's production.

Some say Love is overrated. It has no relevance anymore I say. I know more than love unbound, I can make these prayerful sounds.

Here we are again, this day is just the same as last, I've done all I can do and yet it seems no time has passed.

What filled my days before, I do not know. I have so much love within me, from inside my heart I glow.


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