About Swydell

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This is not so much about me as much as it is about people like me: Those who are caught in the revolving door of prison. This is a poem that says volumns about recidivism.

"Gate Money"

It's called gate money, two-hundred bucks

It's a release fund for parolees, but it buys drugs for some

It's a cancer that looks benign;it a rider on the subconscious line

It's best left alone for those who want to get home

Bus fare there is enough, gate money makes it tough

Gate money is funny money, it's related to sin

It doesn't want you to win

It's been known to have a mind of its own

Hotels, motels, king for a night,

A fist full of rocks plus

A strawberry to make it right

Next morning penniless without a cigarette

But you don't care for you ain't finish yet

Next step welfare: food stamps and a check

Now you worry for when you report and test

You'll be dirty

So you don't report at all

That's the beginning of youre next fall

Then the running begins

Until you get stopped by a cop

Now it's back to the pen

Aw shucks, you gave your freedom up

Behind a measly two-hundred bucks


Location:
United States
Primary occupation:
Clerical
Dream occupation:
Writer, Graphic Artist
Hometown:
Detroit, MI
Schools attended:
Pattengale, Howe, Barber Junior High, Barbour County Training Schol (Alabama), Harren High Schol (NYC) Eastern (Detroit), University of Mich
I like:
Writing, portrait drawing
Favorite writers:
James Baldwin, Robert Frost, Ken Follett, Langston Hughes
Favorite books:
The Fire Next Time, To kill a mocking bird
Favorite newspapers:
Wall Street Journal, LA Times
Favorite magazines:
Writers Market, Black Enterprise
Favorite music:
Soul, Gopel
Favorite movies:
Cool Hand Luke, Stranger on the shore
Favorite TV shows:
News
Favorite teams:
None in particular
Favorite quote:
To be or not to be
Gender:
Male
Religion:
Protestant (Baptist)