A New Start

Taunting dreams in the night

bring me back into sight.

I open my eyes to this dark cell,

automatically reminded of this cold hell.

~~~

Hard time is what I do here,

a lot of soul searching and facing fears.

I have only weeks ’til I see prison walls

I must learn to be calm, walking the steel halls.

~~~

My mine is full, my heart is racing.

In my cell I am always pacing.

As my time grows near,

I am getting ready to do a year.

~~~

I miss my family, I could mourn.

In this place my heart is torn.

Missing her learning to walk,

not yet hearing him talk.

~~~

It is drugs that won me a spot here,

as I’m reminded when I look in the mirror.

One crime led to another

until the drugs blew my cover.

~~~

I realize now straight is the way to be.

Being in control of life that is the key.

I am looking at a few years parole

and know that I’ve got to have a goal.

~~~

I look to the Lord to find my way,

in His word I will stay.

His loving hands mend my heart.

He will give me a brand new start.

~ Tisa, age 33

Author’s note:  Tisa wrote this poem as she sits in jail, waiting to go upstate (prison).  She will serve a year in prison, with part of the time in a drug rehab program.  Tisa is determined to serve and put this behind her and focus on her family.  When she’s released from prison, Tisa hopes to return to college.

Photo Attribution: The Prison •. by Felipe Morin