This is Larry Stromberg, SCI Phoenix. This is my poem “Unhinged,” which I wrote recently based on my deep, deep remorse and heartbreak, even after 30 years of incarceration. “Unhinged.”
I always try to focus on the beauty of this world.
If you like, giving a caring hand to others in a time of need-
Of my family, worshiping the good Lord above,
Reaching for my dreams,
Purpose and goals with pure joy.
Yeah, sparkle in my eye.
Spreading kind words to all who came my way.
Walking my dogs brought me so much peace to my heart.
I love the blue skies, ocean blue,
Bright stars illuminating moon at night,
Falling in love with my future wife was a dream come true.
My wedding day was the happiest day of my life.
I loved, cherished, and adored my starlights and purple rose.
Bright things become so bad so fast.
What was happening to us?
What was happening to me?
I just want to love and be loved.
I started to feel like that little boy
Who was sexually, emotionally, mentally
And physically abused
Over and over again as a child.
I thought to stay afloat from the raging deep,
Drowning in the misery,
Waters of betrayal, adultery,
Mental torture and disruption,
Trying to pull me under.
I was becoming unhinged,
Something I never wanted to be.
Pressures rising,
Trickery of the devil,
Mental health breakdown,
Consuming psychosis,
Devastating aftermath.
Now, imprisonment for life,
No care for my mental health condition.
Today, remorse eats away in my soul,
Regret pounds my mind,
Sorrow overwhelms in a burning heart of mine.
Praying for forgiveness
While my dreams died so fast.
I can never forget.
Only deep sleep stills my brain,
Then the morning burst of pain,
Regret, remorse and sorrow,
Deep sorrow, all over again.
The battle rages on.
I guess the Creator above has a plan.
Please show me the reasons why.
If I reach my everlasting rest,
Hopefully my legacy will help someone in a struggle
From becoming,
From becoming unhinged.
“Unhinged.” Thank you. Larry Stromberg, till next time. God bless you all.
These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio.
