There Is Nothing in the Universe That Hurts the Way You Do
I wrote this song when I started my sentence in June 2026.
This section publishes creative contributions mostly from currently and formerly incarcerated people. It includes short-stories, poetry, creative nonfiction, art, and much more.
If you have something creative to submit to us, we would love to read it, or see it, and publish it in About Time – please write to us!

I wrote this song when I started my sentence in June 2026.
Amber draws from a prison in QLD.
I’m a rapper and I thought I’d share one of the songs I’ve written.
Somebody’s Daughter Theatre offers women within the prison system in Victoria, the opportunity to participate in weekly art workshops.
I felt compelled to contribute so here follows a few submissions for your consideration.
Dear Dad – entering into a trance, muttering words of vines, love stories you wrote, were magnificent and great.
Oblivion comes at a price I will not pay, I look to you every time as I begin words I pray. Rest my weary soul upon this red I lay, as this body of mine grows fatigued by words I tire.
Do you see what I see? I can’t see what you see. If you could see what I see, and I could see what you see. What would we see.
There is a place not far from Flinders Street Station, along the bank of the Yarra River, that’s at the centre of everything I love about Melbourne.

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.

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.

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

Being in prison is lonely at night. It’s waiting for letters that friends and family forget to write. It’s sitting around with nothing to do just figuring out who is who.

Prison is not fun, prison is not jolly, there’s rarely any smiles and for the tears, bring your brolly. Prison is dirty and prison is hard, lose focus for a minute and get done in the yard.

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.

I dream, and think, and feel from the opposite side of the city, in a cell of grey and steel, about our home – peaceful and pretty.


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