Further words by Brendan

We always love to highlight people’s creativity and are really pleased to share more poetry from Brendan.
Brendan says:

‘If you feel like picking up the pen to write, it’s a good way of getting rid of your angst. Very cathartic.’

He says about prison that ‘Conditions in prison at that time were a lot harsher but I’m sure they’ve improved through time. Use your time wisely.’

Retro Guard

Behind the prison walls
The guard is at ease
No more the social outcast
His moral outrage will appease

He opens up for slop out
And observes them as they go
Their overall debasement
Helps his self-image grow

He shouts them by their second name
While they address him Sir
His tone of voice leaves no doubt
That he intends the slur

He sneers as they approach him
For something that they need
And if they want it more than pride
He’ll give it when they plead

His days work done
His complex cured
Beyond the walls
He can now be allured

Retro Prisoner

Court all rise
Sentenced and leering
Righteous justice dispensed
Smile but fearing

Their eyes downcast
Pity momentarily appealing
Exit quickly
Your mute plea they are not hearing

In the morning your mind awakes
Can sense your confinement
Your brain screams to escape
Your body shivers, shivers

Shame contact makes
Toilet done
A new day breaks
Know your number

Forfeit your name
Don’t feel resentment
Forget your shame
New rules, our game

When we say jump
Ask how high
Not for the likes of you
To question why

You’ll eat all your meals in your cell
You’ll excrete there as well
Then at ten you’ll go to sleep
Try counting pigs
More apt than sheep
Integrate and you’ll get by
Just one of many in this our sty

Read more

Scottish Parliament

From Cumbria to the Scottish Parliament: Why I’m Travelling

Rikki took part in Caring Scotland, a creative oral history project from National Theatre of Scotland. The project documents the lives and experiences of at least 100 members of the care experienced community in Scotland. Here, Rikki reflects on taking part.

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