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About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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ISSUE NO. 8

March 2025

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Poetry

About Time

By

Storm

Storm writes from Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison in Tasmania.

'Holding Cell 1', by Quang, 2008, 20 x 23cm, acrylic on paper

It's about time, I outline,
the walls we're within.

No doubts fly, no routes fine,
the way I'm living.

I shout, whine, but still I'm
stuck in prison.

Mistakes, lies, of all kinds
that aren't forgiven.

I did lines, my shout guys,
insight went missing.

My fam cries, I got time, charges arisen.

No goodbyes, no wise guys,
at large just wishing.

Chose mob ties, not outcries,
I've been losing my vision.

The cops bite, one more time,
they're ankle nipping.

I got high, now gotta find,
my own remission.

Not guilty, we all cry, there's
no admissions.

Prosecution, all sigh, got 'em
power tripping.

They see nothing we do's right,
that's the stigmatism.

All criminals, all fight, try to
sit and listen.

It's about time to outline, the
truth you're gripping.

I'm trying to shed light on
your firm position.

'Cause we are drowning in blood,
from the law's incisions.

Not all of us are all bad, your
pocket's been pissin’.

Generational trauma, got
some pathways missing.

Some of us, just made some
bad decisions.

Others were in raids, that
our peers positioned.

Of all the charges laid, a lot
of facts went missing.

At the back of the courtroom,
hear the snakes all hissing.

A few are innocent black slaves,
to some cruel traditions.

I'm not gonna lie, some are
plain Kool-Aid sipping.

But the generations born
with stigmas are slipping.

So it's about time, we outline, corruption's given.

To all of mankind, it's time
the subject's risen.

Before more sons and daughters
die in this system.

Or another rise, in rates of recidivism.

I just hope you'll listen, to these words, from RISDON.

It's about time, I outline,
the walls we're within.

No doubts fly, no routes fine,
the way I'm living.

I shout, whine, but still I'm
stuck in prison.

Mistakes, lies, of all kinds
that aren't forgiven.

I did lines, my shout guys,
insight went missing.

My fam cries, I got time, charges arisen.

No goodbyes, no wise guys,
at large just wishing.

Chose mob ties, not outcries,
I've been losing my vision.

The cops bite, one more time,
they're ankle nipping.

I got high, now gotta find,
my own remission.

Not guilty, we all cry, there's
no admissions.

Prosecution, all sigh, got 'em
power tripping.

They see nothing we do's right,
that's the stigmatism.

All criminals, all fight, try to
sit and listen.

It's about time to outline, the
truth you're gripping.

I'm trying to shed light on
your firm position.

'Cause we are drowning in blood,
from the law's incisions.

Not all of us are all bad, your
pocket's been pissin’.

Generational trauma, got
some pathways missing.

Some of us, just made some
bad decisions.

Others were in raids, that
our peers positioned.

Of all the charges laid, a lot
of facts went missing.

At the back of the courtroom,
hear the snakes all hissing.

A few are innocent black slaves,
to some cruel traditions.

I'm not gonna lie, some are
plain Kool-Aid sipping.

But the generations born
with stigmas are slipping.

So it's about time, we outline, corruption's given.

To all of mankind, it's time
the subject's risen.

Before more sons and daughters
die in this system.

Or another rise, in rates of recidivism.

I just hope you'll listen, to these words, from RISDON.

How to Make Bannoffee Pie in a Secure Unit

By Garth

A sweet treat using buy-up staples.

Creative

ISSUE NO. 20

1 MIN READ

I Am Tired

By Anthony

Tired from being told what to do. I am tired of love, tired of being deemed guilty, tired of my own remorse. I am tired of my own self-doubt, my own shadows and especially tired of my own face.

Creative

ISSUE NO. 20

I Hate You, Crystal Meth

By Mackenzie

Hate’s a strong word, but for you it’s reserved. I hate what you’ve taken from me, my parents, my childhood and my glee.

Creative

ISSUE NO. 20

1 MIN READ

Twelve Years Trying to Patch Up My Soul

By Abynei

My blue eyes look so drained, but I’m strong, I’ll make it through.

Creative

ISSUE NO. 20

1 MIN READ