Poetry

If you would like to submit a poem, send your poetry along with a photo to: mothersofinmates@aol.com

From Parent to Child

I gave you life..but I cannot live it for you...I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.....I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.....I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it....I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe....I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you,....I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.....I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you....I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you....I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.....I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.....I can advise you about your friends, but I cannot choose them for you.....I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.....I can tell you about the facts of life, but I cannot build your reputation....I can tell you about drinking, but I cannot say no for you.....I can warn you about drugs, but I can't prevent you from using them.....I can tell you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious....I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make your morals.....I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in Gods family....I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.....I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.....I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you Eternal life...... Author UnKnown

 

                             Dear God....This Mother' Day

                          Written by member Heartbroken in Colorado....May 2013

 

My Girl

My baby girl’s name is Brandy. She’s always been as sweet as candy.
Where she is now, they call her Doodle Bug. I wish she was where I could give her a hug.
She used to love to play and ride her horse. She can’t do that anymore now, of course.
She got with the wrong crowd and couldn’t get loose. Now she’s in trouble, her neck’s in a noose.
Had I not been away, working for gain. I may have been able to stop some of this pain.
Too late to look back, the damage is done. We can only look forward, and look to the Son.
I miss her laughter. I miss her big smile. We were always laughing and joking thru life’s every mile.
We had such good times, when we were together. We stuck up for each other, birds of a feather.
When I talk to kids now, I tend to get loud. I tell them to watch out and don’t hang with that crowd!
I pray and I pray for her to get one more chance. I want to see her live life and dance.
She’s all I’ve got, all I’ve ever had. I let things get out of hand and then it got bad.
I’d give anything, if we could re-live that day. All the money in the world, I would pay.
What’s done is done, and for many involved, there is no more fun.
Just painful memories, day after day, they come and they go, but they don’t go away.
I’m left here with her dogs, Chewy and Smut, but not with her, my “Boogerbutt.”
I beg God for help, just one more chance. I live life now like I’m stuck in a trance.
It can’t possibly end here. She’s still so young. Just a little while longer and she’ll be twenty one.
There’s nothing I can do. My hands are tied. She is my everything, my love and my pride.
I love that girl, with all of my heart. I pray to God that she gets a new start.
We may be distant. The doors may be shut. But we’re always together, me and my “Peanut”.

Barry Williams 5-20-12

My Super Hero Daddy
My Dad don’t have super powers, but he’s my super hero just the same. He can always make me smile, and always ease my pain. We’ve been through a lot of life’s tough stuff together. We are the defining definition of “Birds of a Feather”. We’re two peas in a pod, “Me and my Pops”. Nothing can separate us, not these bars nor the cops. Although right now I can’t touch him or squeeze him really tight. I know one day I’ll get my second chance to make everything alright. He is always with me, right here in my heart. Me and my super hero Daddy, we will never be apart. Every night before bed, I fall down to my knees. I thank God for my Daddy, who always sticks by me. I pray that he is happy, and I hope that every day he smiles, even though right now, we’re both walking some hard and lonely miles. I know that one day soon, we’ll be together again. He will run to me and I will run to him. No, he don’t wear a cape, or fly from housetops or trees, but he’s always been my hero and he’s always protected me. All heroes cannot fly, or run, and climb around. Some heroes can be found in little Mississippi towns. My hero doesn’t wear a mask or have a house up on the moon, but he sometimes wears a hardhat and a pair of steel toed boots. You may find him at a shipyard, working day and night, and always standing up for what he believes is right. No, my Dad don’t have super powers, but he’s my hero all the same….
By Brandy Williams, 5-26-12

I happened upon the poem below, while goggling for something else and thought I would share it with everyone. The author is a loving mother name Jill……

"I Am a Mother Whose Son Is In Prison"

I am a mother whose son is in prison. I am scared, I am worried, I am lost. I long to hear his voice, I crave it like a drug; the thought of him behind those walls is too much for me to comprehend.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who would give my life for his freedom.

I am a mother whose son is in prison. I wake up on Wednesday’s jumping out of bed knowing this is the day I will talk to my son.

I am a mother whose son is in prison. I search for things to buy; I search to buy him music I hate, yet I do this as it brings him happiness.

I am a mother whose son is in prison; when he is happy I am.

I am a mother whose son is in prison; I drive 1200 miles to sit in a dirty room with unspeakable acts going on around me. However, when David walks through those doors the sun shines brighter. There is nothing in that room but him. His hug warms my soul, his smile lights up my life.

I am a mother whose son is in prison; I would sell all have, go hungry and homeless to share a few visits with him.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who drove 670 miles to arrive at the prison late at night only to sit in my car screaming and crying. David come on lets go home.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who when leaving the prison not knowing when I will see him again, I look and I see him crossing the yard yelling, I love you Mama.

I am a mother whose son is in prison. This experience has changed us all for the good. I pray more, I love harder, I don’t take small things for granted, I have more hope, more faith, I realize we are living under God’s amazing grace.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who cares more for others, has more compassion, and forgives more.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who received forgiveness from a sister I hurt.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who has developed a beautiful relationship with a girl who I love like a daughter who loves my son.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who sees her younger son as my son’s best friend and helps find his own way in life. He is striving to succeed and feels his brother’s sacrifice for him every day.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who has a young man seeking the Lord with all he has, showing his little brother who never believed that it's because of God and His love.

I am a mother whose son is in prison that has two daughters who are being healed as they can't deny the pain.

I am a mother whose son is in prison that clings to the day he walks out into my arms.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who has seen the power of healing at God’s right hand.

I am a mother whose son is in prison believing what the devil meant for evil, God will turn it for good.

I am a mother whose son is in prison filled with pride and joy of the man my son is becoming.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who loves him no less today but more than the day he walked in.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who realizes the mercy and grace we all have in our lives, for we all are in prisons of some sort.

I am a mother whose son is in prison who knows that they are just borrowing him for the moment. They can take some time but they can't break his spirit.

I am a mother whose son is in prison whose Bible says, Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for your work shall be awarded, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future, says the Lord that your children shall come back to their own border." Jeremiah 31:16-17

I am a mother whose son is in prison who chooses this day to choose life, stand on the Word of God and just believe.

Jill

 "Dear God"

Please help me. I’m lying on the cold, wet ground, holding on for dear life to my son’s wrists. You see, he is falling off a “cliff” and if he falls, he will die. I’m getting tired, and he’s getting heavier. I just don’t know how much longer I can hold on. Even though my arms ache, I’ve got to hold him up. I’ve always been the strong one, but am I trying to “play God”? That’s your role, God, not mine. It seems hard for me to trust that you can take better care of him than I. I heard I should “Let Go and Let God”, and I really want to try, but I’m afraid You may not catch him and let him die. I’m so cold and weary. I’m losing ground and getting weaker by the minute. Oh, why won’t I let go? I seem to want everything in “contract form”. Yet, if I don’t let go, eventually we’ll BOTH fall and DIE. Why do I think I’m so powerful….that I can do it alone and handle everything? I know I’m wasting a lot of time and energy by hanging on. There is so much I could be doing. I feel drained, and all my energy is concentrated on pulling him up. I have no goals for me…no future. I haven’t laughed or played in a long, long time. I know I would have tremendous freedom if I would only let go. Freedom to be my own person, and take time for and care for myself. Someone told me to “have Faith”. I’ve got to have faith, because I know I can no longer hold on. I found temporary relief by switching arms and giving one a rest, but I know that letting go is the permanent solution I’m looking for. I’m getting desperate. I’m a mess—dirty, exhausted, and a nervous wreck. How can I take care of someone else when I can’t even take care of myself? My way doesn’t work. I can’t do it any longer. Deep inside God, I know You can take better care of him than I can. You will watch him, won’t You? I think I know what powerless means now, and my life is certainly unmanageable. I know You know what’s best for me and my loved ones, and You love me just as I am, with all my faults. I need to accept help from others. I don’t have to do it alone. Striving for honesty, openness, and willingness, I know I can make it. I surrender right this minute, making a decision to turn my will and my son over to Your care, as I understand You. I pray for the knowledge of Your Will for me, and the power to carry that out. May Thy Will be done, not mine. With a sigh of relief, I now LET GO! THANK GOD! Submitted by Lisa Marks  

"THE ROAD"

A fountain of feelings flowed through my heart.

Old hurts and new pains refused to depart.

Abandonment, guilt, shame and fear —

But the worst was the hopelessness and total despair.

The Lord said, “I love you!

Reach out — take my hand”.

But my eyes filled with tears

And I couldn’t understand.

“How can you love me if you know me so well?

Satan has convinced me I’ll be his in Hell.”

But Christ said to me, “You are my child!

You have been fooled — but that’s Satan’s style.”

“I’ll give you the tools and the strength you need,

To discover how much your life means to me.

Be patient and do not expect to hurry.

Your years have been hard, full of pain and worry.”

So I listened to His voice,

Instead of my own.

And slowly — but surely,

I felt less alone.

There’s a long road before me

With twists, turns and snares.

But I know I can travel it,

Because I know He is there!

by

 June M. Warren

 

"Rainbows and Promises"

The Lord is going to test me

and although I know that’s true,

I never seem to be ready

for the pain I must go through.

Like Noah and his ark,

I have my boat to build.

Although it may seem hopeless,

God’s promise will be revealed.

Noah made it through his storm

by listening to only ONE voice.

At the end he had a rainbow

to seal God’s loving choice.

At times, when things seem darkest,

I wonder if I can do

the things the Lord has asked me ­­–

Even knowing He’ll see me through.

My test is to keep believing –

as Noah had to do.

All my years have come to teach me,

that tears can have rainbows too.

by

 June M. Warren

 

"Broken Chains"

You exist in a different world now,

hidden deep in deceptive guise.

With acts to most unspeakable,

by animals we all despise.

Where sterile buildings hide

little boxes in a row.

Inside live numbered bodies

reaping seeds that they have sown.

Where yesterday and tomorrow

lose the meaning they one time had.

Every day is just a yesterday

with all it’s good and bad.

The masses with their numbers

wake mornings to predawn skies.

They walk the halls as ordered

with soulless vacant eyes.

This all would be unbearable

if not given a reprieve.

But thanks to our loving creator

you only must believe.

The days will still seem endless

with peril at every turn.

But inner peace and freedom

are yours right there to learn.

Bad things are going to happen,

not yours to understand.

That’s why it’s so important

to hold tight the Master’s hand.

The Lord will walk beside you,

breaking chains and bars that bind.

His power and love can free you

from the prison of your mind.

by

June M. Warren

 

"WASTED TIME" The time that I've wasted is my biggest regret, Spent in these places I will never forget. Just sitting and thinking about the things I've done, the crying, the laughing, the hurt and the fun. Now it's just me and my hard driven guilt - behind a wall of emptiness I allowed to be built. I'm trapped in my body, just wanting to run - back to my youth with its laughter and fun. But the chase is over and there's no place to hide - everything is gone, including my pride. With reality suddenly right in my face, I'm scared, alone and stuck in this place. Now memories of the past flash through my head And the pain is obvious by the tears that I shed. I ask myself why and where I went wrong - I guess I was weak when I should have been strong. Living for the drugs and the poison I had known - my feelings were lost, afraid to be shown. As I look at my past it's so easy to see the fear that I had, afraid to be me. I'd pretend to be rugged, so fast and so cool - when actually lost like a blinded old fool. I'm getting too old for this tiresome game, of acting real hard with no sense of shame. It's time that I change and get on with my life - fulfilling my dreams for a family and wife. What my future will hold I really don't know - But the years that I've wasted are starting to show. I just live for the day that I will get a new start And the dreams that I hold deep in my heart. I hope I can make it - I at least have to try, because I'm heading toward death, and I don't want to die! Submitted by member Carren
"A Mother's Pain" You might see me smiling, but what you don't see is that I'm screaming behind that smile. You see me going on with everything, work, groceries, life in general, what you don't see is that it takes every ounce of energy to breathe. You see me sitting alone with my thoughts, what you don't see is that I'm talking to him. You hear me say "I am fine," what you don't see You see me and think "she's back to normal", what you don't see that there is no normal for me anymore. You see me and think Oh God I hope this never happens to me, what you don't see is that as much as I long for you to understand me... I hope this never happens to you either. You see me laughing and joking with others and think she must be "getting over what happened" what you don't see is I can never get over this. You see me sad and you don't know what to say, so you keep going, what you don't see is that all I really want is for you to ask How am I really doing and give me a hug. You see that life goes on, what you don't see is that the life I had will never be the same again. You see that I am strong.. do not be decieved, what you don't see is that I am weak and weary, and some days I'm on the edge. What you see is a mask. .a lie, the mask helps you cope with me and myself, what you don't see is the raw unbearable pain. you could never understand anyway unless you walk a mile in my shoes.... God Forbid. Submitted by member Cathy   "THE CELL" Come in and take a seat, at long last we get to meet. I know that you are here for committing a crime, so lets you and me do some time. I've got some things I'd like to say, I will see you change from day to day. The thoughts you will have, the things you will feel, I will be here for your every meal. You will feel some sadness and you will feel alone at night, you will say "I wish that I were home", make the best of the time you've got, and let's hope that it's not a lot. One day we will part, yes, you and me, that is the day they set you free. I'm sure you want to know my name, it hasn't changed, it's still the same. We are both together in this man made hell. Glad to meet you, I'm your prison cell. Submitted by member Betsy   "That Man"

That man you condemn has a child and a wife

A Mum and a Dad who has given him life!
What would you do if this happened to yours?
Deny all your love and close all the doors?

Do you honestly think I'd sink to a level
And just turn my back and deem him a devil?
Yes! He's done wrong and is serving his time
And No! I do not agree with his crime.

'That woman' you point at, yes it is me
I was born with a name, as I'm human you see!
I'm innocent! just in case you've forgot
And love him whether you like it or not!

I've had the abuse, the comments and more
It's nothing I haven't heard all before
I mean no offense when I say this to you
I'm a victim as well- A forgotten one too.

Submitted by member Betsey

"Bars"

Dear Lord, with a heavy heart I
get down on my knees to pray-
You know how much I miss my son
since he went away.
He has lost his freedom, Lord, for
the things that he has done-
But he's still my shining star,
He's still my loving son.

When the darkness comes and invades
his soul at night-
And when the bars are closed behind
him an locked up tight-
Send an angel to him , Lord,
Let him know she's there.
Oh Lord, please hear my cry- hear
this Mothers prayer.

Oh Lord, how I miss him...for he's
still my little boy-
Outside in his sandbox playing with
a tinker toy-
He's still the child I tucked in at
nite and read stories too-
He's still the teenager that took care
of me when I had the flu.

Dear Lord , have your angel protect him
through the nite-
And let her still be with him come
the morning light.
I'm giving you my son Lord, mold him
with your care-
Let him know that in his heart- Mother's
always there!

Submitted by member Betsey

"Inside Cell" Inside a prison cell I sat there all alone.
No where to go,
Not even a home.
My heart cried out
In that tiny cell,
I told Jesus; this is living hell.
I got down on the floor,
Prayed out to the Lord,
I told Jesus I cannot take this anymore.
He said my child, confess your sins.
I'll forgive you and take you to the eternal end.
My life has changed now by His grace,
I know that Jesus saved me a place.
Now I have a home;
That I did not have before,
It was Jesus who knocked on my cell door Submitted by member Kathleen  
"Inside the Court Room" As I sat there in the court room waiting for you to enter... I looked around the room...and then I looked above... I said one last prayer that I hoped God would hear... and then then you entered the the room...and we exhanged looks.. and suddenly I became numb...unable to breath...and I said to God... please help me...the Judge begain to speak..my heart started racing.. I felt as though for the first time in my life I was going to die... hearing the words coming out of that man sitting up there in that silk robe... I said to myself..that is not my son's maker...who the hell is he to judge... when it was all said and done...you turned around & looked at me with the saddest eyes I've ever seen...they took you away and it was time for me to leave..I got up and left the room and pain begin to worsen as I walked to the door... I stepped outside & fell to the floor..I prayed again to God for strength to help me get up..my knees weak..I could barely walk.. I knew I had to go on...but I had no idea how.. I was lost in a moment of great pain & sorrow...God willing I made it home.... all the while my phone was  ringing...I didn't answer...I had nothing to say... I was dead inside...I laid there and cried & keep ask God why... the answers never came...night fall did...the day the was done.. the decision was made...nothing I could do..but just continue to pray.. today was the day baby boy...that we both so long had dreaded... but your also not just my son...you are God's son too... always know that..he now has you in his care.. and he assured me you are gonna be just fine my baby boy... I love you always no matter what my son...Love Mom...XOXOXO Submitted & written by member Kathleen   "Daddy's Gone" How do you sit down and talk to your son
and tell him that his Daddy has gone
It's easier explaining the meaning of death
and why people die and draw their last breath.
But Daddy, he's gone to no peaceful heaven
Instead he's in prison and serving a seven
so how do you sit down and tell your own son
the why's and the reason's his Daddy has gone?

" Listen my son, you'll need to be strong
Daddy has done something terribly wrong
He's gone in to prison for quite a long time
and this is what happens when you commit crime"

" Daddy still loves us, he'll phone and he'll write
ring you to wish you goodnight and sleep tight
we can sit down together and write him a letter
it'll make Daddy smile and make him feel better"

" We can go and see Daddy perhaps once a week
to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek
you can draw Daddy pictures and paintings at school
to put on his wall which will look really cool "

I tried telling my son with emotional tact
the truth of the matter, you can't hide the fact
his Daddy has gone and has gone for a while
you can't say it with flowers or manage a smile.

So how do you sit down and talk to your son
and answer his question's why Daddy has gone
all you can do is just tell him your way............
and pray to the lord he'll be home soon one day. Submitted by member Betsey
                                    A SON'S POEM TO HIS MOTHER... MIS FOR THE MILLIONS OF THINGS THAT SHE GAVE ME OMEANS ONLY THAT SHE IS GROWING OLD TIS FOR THE TEARS SHE SHED TO SAVE ME HIS FOR HER HEART OF GOLD EIS FOR HER GREEN EYES WITH LOVE LIGHT SHINING IN THEM RMEANS RIGHT AND RIGHT SHE'LL ALWAYS BE PUT THEM TOGETHER AND THEY SPELL "MOTHER " A WORD THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME BY YOUR SON WESTSIDE, Ana's son wrote this to her Submitted By member Ana Santiago

 

"I Am Meth"

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.

If you need me, remember I'm easily found,
I live all around you - in schools and in town.

I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.

I'm made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child's closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.

I have many names, but there's one you know best,
I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth.

My power is awesome; try me you'll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.

Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I'll own your soul.

When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie,
You do what you have to -- just to get high.

The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms,
your lungs your nose.

You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.

But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.

I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.

I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I'll be with you always -- right by your side.

You'll give up everything - your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.

I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.

If you try me be warned - this is no game,
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.

I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind,
I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine.

The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you'll hear, from inside your head.

The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.

But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,
That you are mine, and we shall not part.

You'll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.

You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.

You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?

I'll be your master, you will be my slave,
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.

Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.

I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.

Submitted by member Crystall

 

 Still My Son

When he chooses to run away-
He is still my son.

When he chooses to curse at me-
He is still my son.

When he chooses to drop out of school-
He is still my son.

When he chooses to use alcohol and drugs-
He is still my son.

When he chooses to run with the wrong friends-
He is still my son.

When he chooses not to serve the God I serve-
He is still my son.

When spouse and church family don't understand-
He is still my son.

If he gets locked up for his mistakes-
He is still my son.

A mother's love is unconditional.
I'm learning this day by day.
I birthed this son into the world and
Have loved him all the way.

The choices that he may decide to make,
May seem like Greek to me.
There will be more days to come,
When we may never agree.
I will continue to love and pray for him
Until my life on earth is done.
God gave this child to me and
He will forever be-My Son!

Submitted by member Crystall

 

  "If I Could I would"

 Son, If I could I would:

Give you my freedom and I take your bondage

       If I could I would:

Give you my health and I bear your illness

       If I could I would:

Cry every tear for you, that you may cry

       If I could I would:

Feel every pain for you, that you may feel

       If I could I would:

Experience all injustice for you, that you may experience

       If I could I would:

Endure suffering for you, that you may endure

       If I could I would:

Give you freedom, peace, prosperity and longevity

My Son, since I have not the power to do these things for you

nor to give you the quality of life you so deserve.  I hand you over

to the one and only one, that can provide you with all of my "If I could I woulds."

Son, I let go and let your HEAVENLY FATHERbear all your burdens.

Signed your mother,

With Unconditional Love Always...

Submitted & written by Rhonda92' ©