Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

ISSUE NO. 17
December 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
Poking the Bear
By Russell

After all his team had been through to get here, physically and mentally, the farm boys were disrespecting them big time. “Only one way to shut their gobs,” he thought with venom.

ISSUE NO. 17
3 MIN READ
Tyson Bennett via Unplash
By Sam Harris

When the light returns and the long night fades, and dawn slips soft through shadowed shades, you feel the hush before the day – a whisper of grace that finds its way.

ISSUE NO. 17
2 MIN READ
By Anon-conformous

They expect us to play ball, but always move the goalposts. They expect us to hold boundaries, the same they overstep. They want us to abide, but break their own rules.

ISSUE NO. 17
1 MIN READ
By Joshua

Christmas day without my family, was such a terrible burden to bare, no Christmas tree, decorations, no presents, no laughter, no joy, no Christmas fare.

ISSUE NO. 17
1 MIN READ
By Elijah

Every feeling they felt, the other feels too, trust is a must and communication too. Together as one, soulmates we are destined, forever to each other we are.

ISSUE NO. 17
1 MIN READ
Previous Editions
ISSUE NO. 13
August 2025

Sound Advice

By A.S.P.

Life is only short my son, with so many paths to take, life is an uphill struggle, with every step you make. That’s why you must treasure life, with every second of the day, because you may never know, when it’s your turn to go away.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

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.

6 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Morgana

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.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Live Your Life

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.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Rachelle, Not Double 7

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.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

The Castle

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.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Let Go

By LV

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

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Doing Time Together

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.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

A Dialogue Between Poets

By Krystal

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

2 MIN READ
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
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