Sarah beautifully articulates in this poem all the "don'ts" and then some that we were warned about. It is truly sad that more than anything the social stigma attached to incarceration starts right from the penal system itself which draws a thick wall between "them" and "us". - halima
Don't sit too close.
Don't let them manipulate you.
Don't get too emotionally attached because you won't be seeing them.
Don't wear clothes that will make you appealing to them.
Don't open your heart to them,
Don't forget any second they could rape, assault or kill you.
DOn't ask what they're in here for.
Don't hug them on your way out.
Don't meet there gaze when you're walking past them.
Don't write or correspond when you leave here.
Don't talk to them in the hall.
Don't forget any second they could rape, assault or kill you.
Don't develop any feelings for them.
Don't mail letters out to their families.
Don't relay any messages.
Don't let them take the lead in the conversation and talk too much about themselves.
Don't show any emotions when they share their stories.
Don't sympathize with them.
Don't forget any second they could rape, assault or kill you.
What they forgot to warn me about the most of all was
Don't take their knowledge, passion, life's experiences, education, vulnerability and daring to bare their souls.
Don't take the info shared here back to the streets to educate the up and coming youth.
Don't take their empowerment and respect they showed me without having to rely on half exposed breasts and jeans two sizes too small.
They forgot to tell me don't go back and share with the world that we haven't lost our men, GOD was merely giving them break.
Shit....just as I was about to go a little deeper.....I heard that nagging voice remind me....
Don't forget any second they could rape, assault or kill you.
Sarah Motley
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