‘Alone’

By Robert, Alameda County Juvenile Hall

Since I’ve been in jail
I feel alone more than ever
I never thought I would get caught
I thought I was too smart
Too clever

Why do I do what I do?
I thought I would never know
Until it finally hit me
The friends have got to go

I feel helpless and alone
Whenver I’m in my cell
While others
Are laughing joyfully
They enjoy being in hell

I miss my family dearly
But my freedom even more
Thinking my family resents me
My heart is ripped and torn

I find my only joy
Throwing my feelings on a page
Instead of lashing out at others
In a devious evil rage

My mother can’t save me here
The government holds the thrown
I’m in a room full of human beings
But I still feel alone — all alone!

Originally published Aug. 6-12, 2008