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“If Words”… a poem by Eric King
If words are as dangerous as bullets and sharp as knivesCan we start filling the pages?grinding our pencils to stubsTurning ink into guillotinesprose the ropes onto their wristand rhyme these prison walls to pastecause nothing else seems to be workingheads aren’t rolling, the streets are on holidaymaybe enough words can sparka million fires in our heartswhich would create a million fires in the banksa million convicts in the streetsNot giving a fuck about a voters boxGiving a fuck about having a lifeour words can break these chains?then gather our dictionariesthere aren’t enough thesaurus’ in the worldI need to fight more, I need to write moreMy tongue has been shackledI haven’t…
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“Oh Prison” a poem by Eric King
Oh prison You must think so poorly of me Think I’m weak enough to fold tisk tisk I’m not a fucking inmate, I’m a captive even if I spend 50 years here, my humanity stays I won’t hate those that you sucked into your trap keep your ‘cars’ chap, I can’t be bothered you’re a petulant waste of time Not converting for me, no head shaves or Qurans God aint real, neither is white power my happiness is mine and you can’t lay a finger Didn’t you know you’re dealing with a fighter? Block the phone & the mail, you’ve accomplished nothing snake scum, maggot the beauty I see in the world wont be diminished by your…
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“to Chelsea Manning” a poem by Eric King
Chelsea chelsea chelsea They kept the keys within reach Desperate to hurt you Fiending for vengeance The main news focuses on a rapist While you focus on justice Unbending in your ethics Maybe they thought you soft Forgetting your iron core Striking while most vulnerable Promising, if you talk then you walk How they rage out at your reserve A jaw welded shut Only allowing out dissident words You’ve seen their hatred, felt the venom Fox called you a traitor Deserving of the guillotine or dungeon Wearing their weighted shackles With your neck never falling Hopefully your freedom next time Will be longer
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“Can I live” poem by Eric King
here is a poem Eric wrote more recently: Can I Live? One time can I touch this grass Feel that breeze That refuses to blow down these walls Can I be angry, break anything! Or passionate? Can I let that passion grow Like a poisonous vine To be wrapped around my enemies necks Can I live MY anarchy, even if I’m flawed Can my rebel heart pump revolutionary blood the way I FEEL it, may I feel it? Without my leashes placed to reel me in Can I fight my daily oppression Without having to duck fist and spittle Can I live wild a little? Can I be fucked…
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“Pacing in my cell” a poem by Eric king
A poem about Erics experience at CCA I am pacing in my cell My skin is still on fire from the paper spray that I was bathed in 8 days ago No clean clothes have been provided, no shower either I am scared because I don’t understand the process or the noises, or the smells Don’t understand why they aren’t giving me a shower or a fucking towel, or fucking toothpaste My jaw still hurts, my eyes wont’ stop watering It hurts to swallow anything I am pacing my cell letting ever pig know that if they open this door I am attacking If…
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Eric Update and Poem from a time in the S.H.U
Last week, Eric was thrown into the hole and his cell was trashed. Among other things, a bunch of letters went missing and were destroyed. He is now out of the hole and wants to let folks know that if you wrote him in the weeks leading to the 1st of June he lost your letter and that you should reach back out if you would like :). Below is a poem written while EK was at CCA Leavenworth, now three years ago. I am pacing in my cell My skin is still on fire from the pepper spray that I was bathed in 8 days ago No clean clothes have…
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EK Statement on Dry Snitching
I had never heard the term ‘Dry Snitching’ before coming to prison, but the concept is very clear, it’s indirect tattling. Dry snitching is telling on someone in an oblique, round about way. That may sound low key or not a big deal, but trust me when I say that dry snitching will get you hurt, it is fucking hell. If you do this, you are ratting. Let’s say you’re not supposed to have pillows in your cell and some pig jams you up, takes your pillow, but no one elses. You, feeling indignant and entitled then barks at the cop, ”why are you taking just mine when everyone has…
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EK Statement on Brandon Baxter of the Cleveland 4
“I don’t normally write men political prisoners because I have had bad experiences… but I hear you are safe” I cannot tell you how many letters I get that open this way. Stories of unwanted sexual conversation, requests for photos and attempts to start relationships. It is not difficult to not violate women. I do it every day when responding to letters. A question for men in our community….Why are we being such creeps? I remember the first time a female comrade called me out. I was in high school and it was over me being a creep about a facebook picture. I thought I was being funny or cute…