Manuel, 35
Incarcerated: 17 years
Housed: Kern Valley State Prison, California
By the Grace of God
My heart’s been shattered. I’ve been beaten and tossed.
Like a tiny pebble drifting to the bottom of a pond.
I’ve fallen from Heaven
and I’ve walked through Hell.
But yet I’m pressing on!
You know how metaphysically
they say one’s on the edge?
Well that’s where I ended up
I’d walked that bridge
instead of jumping to my death
it’s as if I had grown wings
And I flew
I did not wish to die
nor did I yearn to kill!
I simply couldn’t take no more
and surely couldn’t feel
Somewhere in that transformation
I’d realize what was real
false pride layered on my mind
would start to peel
It layeth at my feet
and without it
I would heal
My smile became genuine
My laughter was a thrill
My spirit felt like ice on fire
burning with a chill!
My cup was overfloweth
though I’d yet to have my fill
I’m looking to the future
with these hands
what will I build?
and moving with a love
by the grace of God I wield.