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. 7

February 2025

Whispers in the Wind

By Rachel

My whispers every night never reached you it seems. Now I only see you in my vivid dreams.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 7

February 2025

Stair-Ways

By Sofia

Whether it's going up or down or just round and around I cannot figure it anymore.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

Artists With Conviction

By Sara

Now in its 14th year, ‘Artists with Conviction’ is an exhibition of art and writing by people at the Risdon facilities as well as people on parole in Tasmania.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

First World Prison Problems

By Belly

As I strive to read this paper, I am constantly bombarded with various forms of attempted conversation.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

An Ode to Tree Hugging

By Simon

In the past, I laughed at tree huggers, sandalwood-scented hippy buggers. But all that hatred was ill-fated, now that I'm incarcerated.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

Treasures Lost

By Joey

Where once I held, a life so charmed, so clean. So pure. Not odd!

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

The Cell

By Rossco

One day we will part, “Yes” you and me, that’s the day they set you free.

2 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

Only Three

By A.S.

I think that God is dead, and he really isn't there, or maybe he is on strike, and he just doesn't care.

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

Mirror, Mirror

By Bukks

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is this man I see? Mirror, mirror, on the wall, that man there can't be me?

3 MIN READ

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

A Symphony of Joy

By Denis

In the quiet of my heart, I confess, a burden of guilt, a silent distress.

2 MIN READ
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