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

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ISSUE NO. 13

August 2025

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Poetry

Sound Advice

By

A.S.P.

A.S.P. writes from a prison in New South Wales.

Willy Pleasance

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.

See the good things in life, and never let them go,

I’ll give you the paddles, but you’ll have to row.

It will not be easy though, because life is one big test,

but no one can ask for more, once you’ve given your best.

Always be kind to others, and respect their point of view,

if you show consideration, they’ll do the same for you.

Never take freedom for granted, of one thing you can be sure,

there are better places to be, than behind a prison wall.

Life is so much a gamble, forever throwing the dice,

I haven’t a great deal to offer, only some sound advice.

But each night I do pray, that when I’ve passed away,

I’ve helped to make your life happy, in each and every way.

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.

See the good things in life, and never let them go,

I’ll give you the paddles, but you’ll have to row.

It will not be easy though, because life is one big test,

but no one can ask for more, once you’ve given your best.

Always be kind to others, and respect their point of view,

if you show consideration, they’ll do the same for you.

Never take freedom for granted, of one thing you can be sure,

there are better places to be, than behind a prison wall.

Life is so much a gamble, forever throwing the dice,

I haven’t a great deal to offer, only some sound advice.

But each night I do pray, that when I’ve passed away,

I’ve helped to make your life happy, in each and every way.

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