Shaped into a Diamond

This is Charles Carpenter. I’m currently incarcerated at Corcoran SATF [Substance Abuse Treatment Facility]. I’ve been incarcerated for 23 years. The title of this piece is called, “Shaped Into A Diamond.” 

Emerged from the trenches after years of pushing and climbing.
If struggle and pain were hands, they would shape me into a diamond. 
They say, “Forget about the past because it’s already come to an end.”
I beg to differ, if you don’t remember the past,
You’re destined to repeat it again. 
Speaking of which, remember when I was in the pen
And you wouldn’t take my calls?
And you never wrote me a letter when I was young,
Locked down in juvenile halls? 
Today, I want to thank you for your lack of loyalty and dedication.
You see, that’s the fire that drives me and fuels my motivation. 
Oh, now you want to talk? Please.
When I was down and out, you treated me worse than a dog with fleas. 
It’s true what you heard. I’m doing quite well.
No, I don’t want to be your friend.
From the sound of my voice, I’m sure you can tell. 
I just want to thank you once again for all you didn’t do while I was in the pen.
In the meantime, I’ll keep pushing and continuously climbing.
It’s because of you, among other reasons, that I was shaped into a diamond. 

This is Charles Carpenter signing off. 

These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio,