Before we scatter
from our city cells
Those cruel hours –
beauty, a badge of honor
Before we high-step it
out to the main drag
to parade ourselves
in lieu of pride, let’s
remember, in heart,
the bluest moments
The diamond cut of
truth, that tomorrow
– when the cunt in
all of them returns
You’re on your own
again, behind bars
—–
Stephen Jackson has not been previously published. He lives in Eugene, Oregon.