Inspiration To Create A New Poem by Suzanna Chevalier

Wouldn’t it be grand
if giving handprints was a sign of originality
across jail intake land.
Instead of identifying them as a defendant
criminal or thief—
it showed how they are unique
Be what they were meant to be…
That would be great if that was reinforced
in our society.
Not blame, right or wrong—
we can now focus on how to get along.
Children are proud of their handprints
it seperates Who They Are—
when little their handprints
where used to show they are a Shining Star.
Now inmates feel handprints are used for being bad—
labeled as a criminal? Which is very sad.
Treat inmates like family
not separate “Prisoners of War”
Here is a chance to turn things around
like never before.
Maybe inmate never had options available
to them—
Now society treats them like animals in a
closed off gym.
Give them something to create
not to feel hopeless and retaliate—
Why not have rooms set up to write and draw—
if they are not going to harm someone
can this be a new bylaw?
To draw and write might help them with their plight.
Change the system from within—
in all possible ways to focus on inspiration.
Look at it as a place where hope is to be found
not making them feel depressed with walls all around.
Paint murals on closed off rooms
paint when inmates are getting sunshine outside
also have music fill the rooms
with nice sounding tunes.
This could be done over the intercom
why not make it pleasant
not gloomy atmosphere all around?

Written by Suzanna Chevalier on March 25,2013