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Poetry

Expressing Emotions While on Remand

By

Derek

Derek writes from a prison in VIC.

Sent by Derek, from a prison in VIC

Hi guys.

Thanks for what you are doing with the newspaper. It is great to get updates and hear from others going through the same struggles. My name is Derek. I am a 40-year-old male currently going through my first time in the prison system. I’ve served 6 months of an unknown sentence and sharing a couple of artistic pieces while being inside.

The poem was written in the early weeks of being on remand, expressing my raw emotions while coming to terms with it all.

The drawing is a recent piece from a crossword book I have. Sketching has been my escape during lockdowns. I find the hours flying by when working on a piece. My skills have developed a lot over the last few months, and I may even look to do it as a career when I get out.

Forgiveness – A Poem

Staring at my locked up cell, how did this come to be.

A broken mind, destructive path, a fate I did not see.

The guilt and shame I carry now, I cannot comprehend.

A burden I have passed to all, their hearts I hope will mend.

So close I came to end it all, was at an all time low.

The angels watching over me, was not my time to go.

I dig for strength, my head held high, this challenge I'll defeat.

Endless support from selfless mum, a love you cannot beat.

So now I lay to count the days and dream of when I'm free.

In God I trust, the path He lay, embrace my destiny.

My family I miss the most, a sadness deep within.

Pray I close my eyes and to God, forgive me for my sins.

Derek.

Hi guys.

Thanks for what you are doing with the newspaper. It is great to get updates and hear from others going through the same struggles. My name is Derek. I am a 40-year-old male currently going through my first time in the prison system. I’ve served 6 months of an unknown sentence and sharing a couple of artistic pieces while being inside.

The poem was written in the early weeks of being on remand, expressing my raw emotions while coming to terms with it all.

The drawing is a recent piece from a crossword book I have. Sketching has been my escape during lockdowns. I find the hours flying by when working on a piece. My skills have developed a lot over the last few months, and I may even look to do it as a career when I get out.

Forgiveness – A Poem

Staring at my locked up cell, how did this come to be.

A broken mind, destructive path, a fate I did not see.

The guilt and shame I carry now, I cannot comprehend.

A burden I have passed to all, their hearts I hope will mend.

So close I came to end it all, was at an all time low.

The angels watching over me, was not my time to go.

I dig for strength, my head held high, this challenge I'll defeat.

Endless support from selfless mum, a love you cannot beat.

So now I lay to count the days and dream of when I'm free.

In God I trust, the path He lay, embrace my destiny.

My family I miss the most, a sadness deep within.

Pray I close my eyes and to God, forgive me for my sins.

Derek.

This
piece
was originally printed in the
November 2025
edition of About Time.

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