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. 8

March 2025

Crochet

By Rachel

Here's just a few of my crochet art projects – this is what you can achieve if you learn how to crochet!

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 8

March 2025

Heartache and Pain

By Robert

Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart. The day they put me in prison, my whole world fell apart.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 8

March 2025

Calls Behind Concrete Walls

By Leslie

Lights on, doors slam, go running to the phone. Dial the number hit the hash, and wonder if they're home. Spend the first minute saying hello, fight to say a word. Tell them that you love them and hope that you are heard.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 8

March 2025

About Time

By Storm

It's about time, I outline, the walls we're within. No doubts fly, no routes fine, the way I'm living.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 8

March 2025

Gemini

By Luke

There is a kind of peace that comes with routine. A familiarity that numbs you to the monotony of everyday life.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 8

March 2025

For Rich or For Poor, Sickness And In Health

By Courtney

To me it means hard work and rough times, you have to work for what you want and there will always be barriers and things/people trying to bring you down.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 8

March 2025

Education Area Transformed by ‘Resident Artist’

By About Time

Most of the day in school I would spend in art as my teacher Mrs Crawford was the only one that seemed to understand me and get my ADHD. She made me feel equal.

4 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 7

February 2025

Give Me Hope

By Joshua

Alone in a world of darkness and pain. The world there outside, I don't see the rain. Is the sun shining brightly? I really don't know. There's no place to turn and nowhere to go.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 7

February 2025

This Miserable Existence

By Darren

Icy fingers clawed the nape of the old man’s neck as swirling wind whipped up dust and debris into Jack’s tired weathered face.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 7

February 2025

Surely You’ll Love Again

By RM

I see the pain in your lost eyes, and see, all your life ends in cries.

2 MIN READ
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