ISSUE NO. 21
April 2026
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Letters

Same Boys, Same Noise

Anonymous

The author was imprisoned in Australia.

Larry Farr via Unsplash

It was another day in the yard. Same boys, same noise.

I was comfortable, as much as I could be considering the circumstances.

I had been in better yards – but not many, probably one to be honest.

And it was the same yard, same location. Just different people. You learn who’s doing the long stints really quick.

Testosterone grew amongst the younger boys, always something to prove, much more willing than most. Naturally they ganged together.

“They didn’t scare me, we were friends, and I’d still probably shake the little bastard’s hands” – Vishus Emcee 2026

That last sentence sums up jail. For anyone, anywhere. Jail is just society amplified.

“Freedom is the choice to say no” – Shantaram

I slept peacefully that night. But I will never forget the smell in my room. Like iron … almost metallic.

The room was clean, spotless. I made that point clear to the boys.

It took me a week to spot a drop of blood.

I felt sorry for the man, and I gave him a hug.

To this day, I admire his strength.

He never said a word. The guards found out a few days later after finally requesting he remove his beanie and glasses.

Life is unfair, people get dealt shit cards.

How much do you really care about your fellow man?

Would you step in if they were facing death?

Thank you for letting me share <3

It was another day in the yard. Same boys, same noise.

I was comfortable, as much as I could be considering the circumstances.

I had been in better yards – but not many, probably one to be honest.

And it was the same yard, same location. Just different people. You learn who’s doing the long stints really quick.

Testosterone grew amongst the younger boys, always something to prove, much more willing than most. Naturally they ganged together.

“They didn’t scare me, we were friends, and I’d still probably shake the little bastard’s hands” – Vishus Emcee 2026

That last sentence sums up jail. For anyone, anywhere. Jail is just society amplified.

“Freedom is the choice to say no” – Shantaram

I slept peacefully that night. But I will never forget the smell in my room. Like iron … almost metallic.

The room was clean, spotless. I made that point clear to the boys.

It took me a week to spot a drop of blood.

I felt sorry for the man, and I gave him a hug.

To this day, I admire his strength.

He never said a word. The guards found out a few days later after finally requesting he remove his beanie and glasses.

Life is unfair, people get dealt shit cards.

How much do you really care about your fellow man?

Would you step in if they were facing death?

Thank you for letting me share <3

Staying Strong

By Mel

My name is Mel. In July, my partner overdosed while I was locked up in Tasmania. The staff there were amazing.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

A Charity Fund From Inside: Even $1 Each Would Make a Difference

By Jonathon

This letter isn’t about myself or my time in prison, but I have spent a fair few years here, and this why I wanted to propose potentially a system where once a week or once a month it is an option, for those who want to or are able to, to donate to a charity from money from our inmate accounts.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

‘I Continue to Laugh in the Face of Adversity’: Newtown’s ‘Dreamer’ Muralist on PTSD and Prison

By Andrew

'Nuff Respect, Kudos, and Vast Appreciation on your Magnificent, Pertinent and Poignant Periodical that just keeps getting better. WORD UP!!!

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

Autism and Mental Illness: Prison Isn’t the Right Place

By Garry

I would just like to mention a few things I’ve noticed around prison regarding inmates with both autistic and mental illness traits. Who says these inmates are right to go to prison and not a hospital?

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

Welcome to About Time

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

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