Families of Prisoners Support Group
This community is dedicated to families that have been disrupted by prison. Having a loved one incarcerated or having been incarcerated comes with its own unique challenges that require support and understanding. Join the group to find others who know what you're going through, and to seek advice or share your experience.
OUR DAY IN COURT
I am screaming from the inside out,
I want to tell you all what its about.
I saw this woman stand before you for dealing cocaine,
But you let her walk- what a shame!
You have my child before you this day,
You dont even know how hard I have prayed.
Your honor, with all due respect- I know its your court,
But this is a circus of sorts.
The cocaine dealer walks probation free,
The meth manufacturer gets a drug court key,
My son- he goes to prison for a D felony.
Is this justice I ask you sir?
Do you think this is the cure?
Judge, you cant possibly know my son,
Mr. Prosecutor- do you think youve won?
See, this PSI you ordered is fill in the blank,
It tells you nothing- you can take that to the bank!
Its killing me to sit and be still,
I know the road is going down hill.
You should be ashamed of the sentence you hand down,
Its all about whose who in this fucking town!
I will never forget this day,
Thank you so much for making my son pay!
His price is too high for the crime,
Do you ever even consider the time?
Lets talk about victims, Im one you see,
I didnt do this, it was done to me.
I know we have a long road ahead,
But your words will be the last that will be said.
See the guy across the room,
Thats his dad- dont assume.
He has not been there with me through this,
So, lets take a second and reminisce,
Ive stood beside my kid in every way,
Now, all I have to look forward to is his release day.
Ive spent countless hours waiting for a 15 minute call,
See, Im in this for the long haul.
I know we will survive this DOC time,
Sometimes, one minute at a time.
So- Fuck you for your thoughts and sentence this day,
Ill spend the next 18 months, while we pray.
He will come out a better man,
But your honor- it had nothing to do with your plan.
He will do this because he can,
and with Gods help he will be a wise man.
Youve taught me just one thing today,
All you do is put the good people away.
Ill think of you just once more,
And sadly remember what you stand for.
You took that bench to put people away-
But in 18 months it will be our day!
I am screaming from the inside out,
I want to tell you all what its about.
I saw this woman stand before you for dealing cocaine,
But you let her walk- what a shame!
You have my child before you this day,
You dont even know how hard I have prayed.
Your honor, with all due respect- I know its your court,
But this is a circus of sorts.
The cocaine dealer walks probation free,
The meth manufacturer gets a drug court key,
My son- he goes to prison for a D felony.
Is this justice I ask you sir?
Do you think this is the cure?
Judge, you cant possibly know my son,
Mr. Prosecutor- do you think youve won?
See, this PSI you ordered is fill in the blank,
It tells you nothing- you can take that to the bank!
Its killing me to sit and be still,
I know the road is going down hill.
You should be ashamed of the sentence you hand down,
Its all about whose who in this fucking town!
I will never forget this day,
Thank you so much for making my son pay!
His price is too high for the crime,
Do you ever even consider the time?
Lets talk about victims, Im one you see,
I didnt do this, it was done to me.
I know we have a long road ahead,
But your words will be the last that will be said.
See the guy across the room,
Thats his dad- dont assume.
He has not been there with me through this,
So, lets take a second and reminisce,
Ive stood beside my kid in every way,
Now, all I have to look forward to is his release day.
Ive spent countless hours waiting for a 15 minute call,
See, Im in this for the long haul.
I know we will survive this DOC time,
Sometimes, one minute at a time.
So- Fuck you for your thoughts and sentence this day,
Ill spend the next 18 months, while we pray.
He will come out a better man,
But your honor- it had nothing to do with your plan.
He will do this because he can,
and with Gods help he will be a wise man.
Youve taught me just one thing today,
All you do is put the good people away.
Ill think of you just once more,
And sadly remember what you stand for.
You took that bench to put people away-
But in 18 months it will be our day!
I don't know about your state, but in MN they serve only a portion of the sentence, and get the rest off as " good time", and the rest goes on their probation. Wisconsin they serve all of the time unless they qualify for the Earned Release Program, which is in treatment.
But your honor- it had nothing to do with your plan.
He will do this because he can,
and with Gods help he will be a wise man.
My favorite part of your poem by far because this is how I have dealt with all the injustices handed by the courts and DOC. If we set our minds to it we will be better wiser, stronger and hopefully closer to our God.
I haven't hugged my son since I can remember- there is absolutely no contact here- visits are by video screen.
I swear God was in our courtroom.