Edges Magazine Issue 42 - Poems by David & Sean

EDGES MAGAZINE Issue 42

July 2005

THE BOOK

David Grant
(Is an Inmate of Parkhurst Prison)

Oh to lose myself within a book,
But I’ve only got a Bible, should I take a look?
Genesis to Revelations, I’ll read it through
And read of the love given to you.
I’m not a Christian, the book’s not mine,
Should I believe, or stand and decline?

I read of the Beginning, of man’s first sin,
When Adam and Eve let the Devil in.
How tempted by the serpent’s tongue
It breathed the lie into human lung,
And how God in Heaven, incensed with rage
Recorded their sin on a pristine page.

But I’m not a Christian as I said before
And to complete this book could be a chore.
But to my surprise and lasting shame
I’ve found that God has got a name.
Emmanuel!! The old prophets cried,
And told of his Son, and how he died.

My life would change if I could but see
How this book relates to me.
Will I ever find Heaven on this Earth
Or remain condemned to a fiery berth?
Oh no – not me, I’ve had a look
Now I understand why I read that book.

Perhaps my days of sin can end
I read the Book and found a friend.

THE GATES

David Grant

Through the gates of this prison you came,
Burdened with memories and pain.
Despair reaching out; a clawing hand,
Come in-welcome-join the band!
The system greets you with open arms
But don’t be duped by its insidious charms.
Come here, go there, get in your cell!
The gates are the entrance to your own private hell.

Despair all ye who enter here,
Dream your nightmares, live your fear,
Leave time in reception and close the door
Think not of family and friends anymore.
Lay silent at night and hide from the calls.
Come here, go there, get in your cell,
You entered the gates, welcome to hell.

Nothing is Empty

Sean is a Recovering Addict

I am going to take time tonight in the inner depths of my mind
To reflect on what it has been like for me to have nothing.

Nothing is empty nothing is sad
You can’t miss something if nothing’s all you’ve had
Nothing is silence, lonely and dark
Nothing is leaving without making a mark
Nothing is everything you thought it would be
Nothing is you and I know it was me
Nothing is the dark pitch black of your mind
Nothing is always easy to find

So if nothing is lonely, depression and strife
Let’s find something and call it life.

REMANDED

David Grant

I languish, incarcerated, in Parkhurst F1
The days drag by but my time’s not begun,
Twenty two hours locked alone in my cell,
Trying to work through my own personal hell.

I’m lost in the dark when my demons call,
No one to catch me when my spirits fall.
I’m lost in a tunnel, what shrouds the light?
What unwelcome memories will visit tonight?

I’m dreaming of walking, of feeling the rain,
Desiring to sit in the sun once again.
But no, I awake alone in my cell
Not convicted, but remanded to my own personal hell.