Oct. 16, 2018

The Wilderness; Can I Stand Up; Just 4 Today

by James Collins (author's profile)

Transcription

Attention

My fellow poets, I'm in need of greeting cards. I'm allowed to receive in any one manila envelop #10 cars. I'm in need of "Thinking of You" cards, "Thank you" cards, and love cards. Whatever you can do for me will be warmly received. Send them to:

James Collins E-81393
Lancaster State Prison
P.O. Box 4670
Housing D-3-219
Lancaster, CA 93539

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The Wilderness

Do I want to bear my cross?
What a painful ordeal!
There are no spikes through my hands.
No bones that rip open my back?
The only whip that I feel
Is depression and the sense of being alone...
I have not had the privilege
To walk the life of another man
That voice is lost to the wilderness
The state cast lots for my belongings
For I stood guilty of crimes
Now I bear my cross of shame!

—James Collins

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Can I Stand Up?

My America,
I once felt Her love!
Her hands were tender...
I drew her blood with crime
But the only thing was robbed
Was my soul!
Now I sit in this cell
Pondering what is it to be American?
The simplistic life
One where no one has to fear
A life where everyone pitches in
Where faces are not recognized by color
When I can stand up
And say to myself, I belong to Her!

—James Collins

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(Just For Today)

Just for today
I will be less judgmental
Just for today
I'll steal a moment of God's time
Just for today
I'll be less irritating to strangers
Just for today
I'll feed the hungry
Just for today
I'll pray for my enemies
Just for today
I'll rise above my depression
Just for today
I'll love all, just because I can

—James Collins, alias J.C.

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Replies (1) Replies feed

Kylajohnson_81 Posted 5 years, 4 months ago. ✓ Mailed 5 years, 4 months ago   Favorite
Hello James's my name is kyla I'm writing to you because I've been reading your posts lately and they interest me. I've been wanting to be a psychologist in a prison for awhile now. I want to be able to actually help inmates. Even if I'm the only one that would be caring about my job. You inmates deserve someone who's going to be there to listen. What would it take for me to a good psychologist? I also wouldn't mind getting to know you either. If you feel free you can write me back whenever have a blessed day

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