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. 10

May 2025

Good Seed

By RM

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.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 10

May 2025

Mind Incarceration

By Red Dragon

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

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

She'll Be Apples

By Angela

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

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

Love Worshipful (a Midnight Repose)

By Jon

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

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

Boredom

By Bukks

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.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

My Heart, My Soul

By Amaka

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

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

Freedom Flight

By Joshua

I stand at my door and watch the birds, as they spread their wings and fly. Oh how wonderful my life would be, if I could fly so high.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

After Darkness Comes Light

By Rachel

When you feel broken and can’t remember who you used to be, please know that person is still inside of you, waiting to be acknowledged and validated. Find a calm place, go inside of your soul. That is where the goodness lies.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

Better Man

By R.M.

The same as I was, just in a different lane, because the monster in me I can now tame.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

Time Together

Anonymous

Doing time together, under lock and key, but helping others can set your mind free.

2 MIN READ
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