Tessa “Opie”, 31

I believe in the importance of cultivating a strong mindset and building character to pave the way for success.

Despite the challenges of being in prison, I’ve found a positive outlook and discovered treasures within myself. Expressing emotions takes many passionate forms, and for me, it’s poetry and art.

I first taught myself to draw as a way to stay connected with my son. I would create illustrations for him, and he would proudly color them when he received them. This shared activity has strengthened our bond over time and helped us build a meaningful connection despite the distance. I believe in the importance of cultivating a strong mindset and building character to pave the way for success.

Along with art, I have a deep passion for writing poetry, or as I’ve come to learn through others, spoken word. It has become a powerful way for me to express my emotions and my heart.

Sense of Purpose

It takes one day at a time,
Don’t sit here overthinking your mind.
You already know what’s there;
You just have to read between the lines.

The walls may feel like they’re caving in,
But look within your heart,
And know it’s you who must win.

Think about your dreams,
Think about your goals,
Think about everything
That will take you where you want to go.

Only you truly know
How far you have to jump,
How enthusiastic you must be,
And all the optimistic thoughts
Your future holds and believes.

You see, faith is the unseen thing
That creates a hopeful life,
That gives you a sense of purpose,
That makes you want to do right.

You can’t give up now—
It’s a test, you see.
The reward is even greater
When you know God’s hands are on thee.

When God lays His hands on you,
He takes away the bad things you know
You’ve been through—
The heartaches,
The mistakes,
The pain you can’t take back.

Now we must move forward,
Knowing this is where we are meant to be.
But how we experience our circumstances
Depends on how we choose to use them.

Just give your faith to God,
And He will see you right through them.

Baby Diamond

They sent me to the penitentiary,
Now I live with a bit of victory.
Tell ’em your whole testimony—
I swear, I’m never phony.

Your longing is your calling,
Sit back and put your all in.
Your purpose? It’s more than worth it—
Don’t go back; you know you deserve it.

Living off Star Crunch,
Swollen like a Martian.
Hit the squats,
Now I’m sitting real plump,
Shaped like a baby diamond.

The more pressure,
The more you put your time in,
The more you’re shining,
Steady grinding.

I won’t go back to living timeless,
‘Cause that just ain’t where mine is.
They thought they took it all,
Thinking I’d watch paint dry on the wall.

But you won’t take it now—
You’ll notice.
Sitting upright,
Now I’m focused.