ISSUE NO. 20
MARCH 2026

Creative

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!

Latest

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.

ISSUE NO. 20
Mr Challis draws from a prison in QLD.

‘I Still Stand Tall Like A Tall Oak Tree’

By Little Savage

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.

ISSUE NO. 20
1 MIN READ
Drawing also by Little Savage
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.

ISSUE NO. 20
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.

ISSUE NO. 20
1 MIN READ
By Matt

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.

ISSUE NO. 20
3 MIN READ

Previous Editions

ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Live Your Life

By Garry

Our ego asked what is our purpose. We search for enlightenment, it’s in us all. Happiness is a choice so make it yours. Forgiveness of others will lead you to peace.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Rachelle, Not Double 7

By Shelly (Rachelle)

Sitting in this cage, barbed wire all around. Been transported here, but first my wrists are bound. Heavy metal locked, no chance of breaking free.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

The Castle

By Cody

The brooding castle had overlooked our town since time immemorial. Its dark parapets loomed over us, perched high on the behemoth mountain so familiar to me. I had lived in its shadow my whole life.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Let Go

By LV

Let go, let go of your enemies. Let go, let go of your hate. Let go and forgive.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

Doing Time Together

Anonymous

Doing time together, under lock and key, but helping others can set your mind free. The past is gone, the future’s not arrived, focus on now, be glad to be alive.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 12
July 2025

A Dialogue Between Poets

By Krystal

I found this poem titled Until and I wrote a poem on my reflection to it.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 11
June 2025

‘Rhyme Doin’ Time’

By Jeff

Now sit in cell of nought to read, the glasses gone! Of what I need! I ask the system, to provide, for that, my sight be magnified.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 11
June 2025

Golden Mud

By Leonor (through Somebody’s Daughter art programs in DPFC and Tarrengower prison)

This painting was inspired by a photo that I found in the National Geographic of January 2011 taken by Robin Hammond. It’s a gold miner in the border province of Manica.

2 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 11
June 2025

My Name is Meth: A Poem of Truth

By Kelly Flanagan

I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that’s just the start. I’m more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold, the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

3 MIN READ
ISSUE NO. 11
June 2025

Broke My Heart

By Mahina

Being in jail has given me time to think, as I lay in my bed and slowly sink.

2 MIN READ

Welcome to About Time

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

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