Standouts - The Beat Within

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co-Pieces of the week
Ten Steps Ahead
I’ve been here for too long and things are still the same,
You think you got homies but when you get locked down,
things get strange.
People who said they were homies slowly fade away.
When you’re in jail you realize who your real potnas are
And all these other suckas you better keep very far.
Nothing but pain when I walk in my cell,
My room is like my section of hell.
In a way, I accept what I did
But I don’t regret nothing, I’m just tryin’ to push ahead.
I guess following rules was never my thing, so I understand
I bring this on myself in the end.
I learn from my mistakes and next time I’ll stay ten steps
ahead.
-Shorty, Alameda
From The Beat: Great poem – do you think it will be easier to follow
rules now that you’ve had time to think about the consequences? And
what are some examples of what it will mean to be “ten steps ahead?”
Beat Within
Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down,
Remember though your color’s brown.
The system focuses on us like we’re liars.
Quick to extinguish our hopes, lock up our dreams, and name
us cowards.
Born into hate, brought into poverty, mama always prayin’
that we’re going to win the lottery.
Only to be shut down by month’s rent and clothes for school.
Always crying because her little boy grew up and became a
damn fool.
-Anonymous, Monterey
From The Beat: The system doesn’t get to control your mind, your
dreams, your thoughts – that’s up to you. People rarely become
successful by sitting back and waiting for someone else to make them
successful. How badly do you want to change your life? When you
want it bad enough you will make the sacrifices (maybe it’s changing
your friends, staying home instead of going out partying, following
your probation terms) necessary to do so.
No More Time Left
Time seems to move more slowly
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring
I’m getting released in just two days
Thankful to the God of whom I give praise
Time seems to go by faster now
Awaiting the day when I get out
I can’t wait to lay in my hammock
Laugh when my feet get stuck
I’m sick of this place and these people
They act like it’s still time of Medieval
I miss my brother, as well as my cat
They just see me as a cute little brat.
Hurry up and tick clock,
You’re moving fast as a rock!
So soon now I can see
My smiling mother, filled with glee.
Forty-nine days is a real long time
I’ve lost the future that should have been mine
I wish I could sleep whenever I want
Time would just skip by, not be a taunt.
Thank you Beat, you’ve helped me a lot
Without you here, I might have just rot.
-Zizco, Alameda
From The Beat: Thank you, Zizco, for being such a leader in the unit,
and for always writing with such raw honesty. It’s risky to put your
deepest feelings out there for everyone to see, hear and read, and we
appreciate you taking that risk. Good luck, and keep writing!
Co-Pieces of the Week
Volume 17.01/02
Part 1: Why Am I Black?
Why am I black?
Black is the color of a scary dark alley way
Black is the color of the sky at the end of the day.
Black is when something is overcooked
Black is the color of a judge’s books
Black is the color of an empty house when no one is there
Black is the color of a gun
When the trigger gets pulled, it’s no fun
Black is the color of the most venomous spider,
Black is the color of a sly raccoon, black is what robbers wear
when they’re up to no good.
Black is the color people mostly wear in my hood.
Why Am I Black?
Part two coming soon.
-Deandre, Alameda
From The Beat: We are really looking forward to part two of this poem,
because of what you told us about it. It sounded like such a powerful,
proud twist on part one, we can’t wait for the sequel!
The Otha’ Side Feeling
It won’t go away – when my partner Raymen died. We were hella
close and it feels like the pain won’t go away. I never really speak on
him ‘cause it hurts when I talk ‘bout him or think of it.
My ninja Dame’s death hurt a lot too. It won’t go away. I love
them a lot. I never knew I loved them this much ‘til they died.
I remember Raymen askin’ me how would the world be without
him. I told him, “not the same” and I was right. I never thought my
ninja would go like that. But I’m still holdin’ it down for my ninjas.
-Jon Jon, Alameda
From The Beat: We like your title. We are sorry you lost Raymen and
Dame. We have read a lot about them in The Beat and feel like we
know them and miss them too. What needs to happen to stop this sort
of loss? Revenge just creates an endless circle of loss, doesn’t it?
To Be Free
To be free is worth much more than a price
More precious and meaningful than the world’s best prize
And I love when I can have my family by my side
To me it’s more exciting than the highest roller coaster ride
To be free is worth much more than my pride
Free to roam the world like the sun’s great shine
But my nightmare’s come true and I’m lost in time
But I know God one day will make freedom once again mine.
-Francisco, Santa Clara
From The Beat: This is a wonderful piece! What do you think you’ll
need to change in order to keep your freedom? You clearly know the
value of freedom, but we hope you realize that you must be responsible
in order to keep it.
To Be Free
To be free is worth much more than a price
More precious and meaningful than the world’s best prize
And I love when I can have my family by my side
To me it’s more exciting than the highest roller coaster ride
To be free is worth much more than my pride
Free to roam the world like the sun’s great shine
But my nightmare’s come true and I’m lost in time
But I know God one day will make freedom once again mine.
-Francisco, Santa Clara
From The Beat: This is a wonderful piece! What do you think you’ll
need to change in order to keep your freedom? You clearly know the
value of freedom, but we hope you realize that you must be responsible
in order to keep it.