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

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ISSUE NO. 9

April 2025

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Poetry

Freedom Flight

By

Joshua

Joshua was formerly incarcerated in five different prisons in Victoria.

‘The Club’, by Zig, 2001, acrylic on canvas, Boom Gate Gallery

I stand at my door and watch the birds

As they spread their wings and fly

Oh how wonderful my life would be

If I could fly so high

I'd peruse the vacant skyline

Before I take to flight

Feel the magic as the soft winds blow

As I rise up, to a soaring height

As I glide through the heavenly clouds

And gaze at the distant earth below

My freedom has never felt grander

And my soul has a peaceful, inner glow

Flying high across the valleys

The mountains, rivers and trees

Not concerned where my journey takes me

To have the freedom of “shooting the breeze”

In the distance I see a large building

It's where I'll take refuge for the night

Flying down I look for a landing

To rest my weary body, from its flight

In an instant my body jolts and I awaken

I sit up and my blood runs pale

Rubbing my eyes, I realise I've been dreaming

Oh dear God, I'm still locked up in jail!

I stand at my door and watch the birds

As they spread their wings and fly

Oh how wonderful my life would be

If I could fly so high

I'd peruse the vacant skyline

Before I take to flight

Feel the magic as the soft winds blow

As I rise up, to a soaring height

As I glide through the heavenly clouds

And gaze at the distant earth below

My freedom has never felt grander

And my soul has a peaceful, inner glow

Flying high across the valleys

The mountains, rivers and trees

Not concerned where my journey takes me

To have the freedom of “shooting the breeze”

In the distance I see a large building

It's where I'll take refuge for the night

Flying down I look for a landing

To rest my weary body, from its flight

In an instant my body jolts and I awaken

I sit up and my blood runs pale

Rubbing my eyes, I realise I've been dreaming

Oh dear God, I'm still locked up in jail!

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