Hello, this is Larry Stromberg at SCI Phoenix, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, I’m going to perform my poem entitled “Silent Cell.”
Silent Cell
Amongst the chaos of incarceration,
Noises bang.Noises rattle.
Noises yell and scream..
Noises of loneliness, agony, and hoplessness are heard..
Noises that command control
But the peace is few in between.
Prison is hell on earth,
The penalty of criminal mentality,
Mental health, poverty, addiction.
Still, deep in the middle of the night,
Past the midnight hour,
There’s a noise-free time.
Unless the snoring echoes the prison walls and the bunks,
Overall, it’s mostly silent, riding the lightning,
Where one can pray, meditate, think, study,
And plan for something better during this time of tranquility.
It’s the most precious time of all – a silent cell
Where dreams come alive,
Resting spirits send their love,
Wonderful memories rush the brain that brings a smile to the heart.
Connecting with the Creator above
For a future someday beyond these penitentiary walls of condemnation,
If I’m blessed to do so.
I tell you for now,
But for now,
Please give me that silent cell.
It’s a gift of quietness and peace of mind.
Thank you, it’s Larry Stromberg. That was my poem, “Silent Cell.”
These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio.
