Prison journalism: What kind of womanIncarcerated female writer shares a poem on her strength as a woman behind bars.
by Prison Journalism Project
03-08-2023 18:18
in Prison Journalism
Behind prison bars. Image by Unsplash
Prison Journalism Project trains incarcerated writers to become journalists and publishes their stories. Subscribe to Inside Story to receive exclusive behind-the-scene looks at our best stories, as well as author profiles and other insights.
--
What Kind of Woman am I?
One who will not be abused or misused
By losers, boozers, or drug users
I will stand tall by my Man, hand in hand
With our dreams and plans ahead of us
Ready to board the bus and go
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: My Existence
I'm a woman with no back up in me
Don't have to strap gats or splat cats
I'm on that upward groove
Steady trying to improve the world, myself, my man
Baby that's my plan
--
I'm a Woman who won't be stepped on, slept on, or crept on
I stand erect, demand and command respect
In my manner and talk, in my swagger and walk
And even in facilities which grate my sensibilities
I utilize my abilities to create my own calm
It's like a balm to my soul, which keeps me a whole
Woman
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: While my friends graduated high school, I sat behind bars
You may try to discredit, dishonour and reject me
I've got Christian brothers who try to correct me
But you can't write a story that's already been written
You can't crush a heart that's already been smitten
I am who God made me, He calls me Michelle
If you can't seem to deal you can go straight to
Hey now, I ain't on that either
I'm a Woman who loves
Now can you see her?
--
Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer's identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.
Written by Alisha Ward for The Prison Journalism Project
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Prison journalism: What kind of womanIncarcerated female writer shares a poem on her strength as a woman behind bars.
