What insight and depth in this writing. You are far from becoming the darkness of the hour...You can be whatever you choose. Know that you are a great writer and one that can draw your readers into the emotion you feel....

Onward and upward is your goal, Asa

Sandy

Such a sad poem. The voice of a poet working through his problems. Rainbows

Amen to that.
Steve

Love this write! Embracing my unique, God-ordained essence regardless of other's perceptions of who I am or should be! Thank U, sir

I love, love, love this poem.

Do not use images and idealogy given to us by the oppressor to identify yourself. Living in a neighborhood is not bad. Why is it that where ever we are, it is identified as a ghetto? If enough of us were in the high rent district, the oppressor would call that a ghetto.

DO YOU SEE...WHAT HE SEES? WRITTEN SO THAT ALL CAN UNDERSTAND THE CRIES...THE 'STRUGGLE' OF SO MANY GHETTO YOUTHS WHO DESIRE THE 'FREEDOM' OF SHEDDING THE 'ELEPHANT'S SKIN' THAT ENCAPSULATE THEM AND WHICH HAS PROVEN TO BE SO 'OFFENSIVE' TO SO-CALLED 'MAIN STREAM' SOCIETY. IN THIS SHARING, THE POET EXPLAINS HOW MISGUIDED YOUTHS EMBRACE 'ELEPHANT'S SKIN' BECAUSE IT 'PROTECTS' AND CARRIES THEM 'DAILY' THROUGH THE NEGATIVE AND HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS THEY LIVE IN, UNTIL THEY COME TO A PLACE OF... ENLIGHTMENT.
WELL DONE, MY SON...WELL DONE! THANK YOU FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND MUCH FAITH...JOYCE(MOM)*HIS INSPIRATIONS

I fought the law too, and the law won in my case too. I called it fighting against "them," but in reality I was fighting against myself, as are so many who are fighting and who have already fought the fight and have lost . . . For the time being. Keep fighting, just understand what to fight and what not to fight.

You are so right, colour does not matter. We are all people.
I love the way a butterfly lends its presence to an otherwise sombre environment and, although almost lost in the gloom, we know it is still there.
You have a very compelling way with words.

This is so powerful and heart rendering! . The pain he feels is evident as are the injustices and his search for something better and more tanagible . TRUELY HEARTFELT! Thankyou Joyce for sharing more of his powerful poems with us. The struggles are great with in the prisons and the inmates are at the mercy of the guards and each other at times. Faith and will help them to survive. Family support is extremely important. ....M

EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

Excellent! Inspirational! Fluidity! Lovely! Written with great insight and wisdom. It just reads so well, and is soft and scenic to my mind, thank you.

This is truly inspirational indeed, 'ELEPHANT'S SKIN" and yes heartfelt too Asa! Watch as God works it all out for you...remember He is the God of the impossible and He will bless you above your every expectation! Yes He is a Deliverer and a Healer too! I praise God for you and am delighted to read your writings once again! Be encouraged and may the Lord continue to bless the pen to write and inspire others! Sending you Hugs!!!

Much Love,
Margaret

This is a heartfelt poem from your son. It compels the reader to imagine what it must be like to be caught up in a world full of trials. You somewhat know my situation with my pain and past addiction to pain medications, where I was imprisoned in my own mind. Keep up the writing Asa, as you do have a true gift from God. May God bless you every day of your life.

Daniel

This is the first poem I've read since joining last night and what a pleasure. The first person voice is perfect and the imagery of "elephant's skin" is so good. I like, also, the contrast between the butterfly and the bleak, blackness, of what I take to be imprisonment or the lack of light and freedom is a good choice. The word "pitch" conjurs up an appropriate image for me as well. Thank you for posting such a good experience for my first read...ed :)

We all must emerge from our cocoons; like the butterfly from the caterpillar. Rarely can one understand another's troubles (I mean, 'truly' understand) ... one can empathize, though ... and most importantly one can show kindness in another's troubles. A fine, thoughtful write from your son, Asa, Joyce. God bless him and you. ~Hugs, Elizabeth

This is very compassionate and well written. There is nothing like the compassion and power of one who has been lost and is finding their way back to a good path to help others. Now he has the power to help those still locked in their imposing walls, and the using of his pen to help others is a great honor really, pulsing with life and hope.
Blessings,
Christine

Not a waste word or phrase here, Joyce, there's poignancy and sharpness in Asa's thinking and expression. Very fine.

John

Your pen teaches truth in emphatic fashion, would most of us only listen, it would make this world a better place, I know your MOM does, Bless you! Jasmin Horst

Wonderful Asa. I know your Mother is proud of you and so is your heavenly Father. Continue to write, to be strong, and know that Jesus is with you always. Bless you Asa,

ann

Asa, Such power in your pen. Raw emotions, ring throughout your poem. This resonates with a deeply rooted feeling of survival. Color really doesn't matter and you drive your point to the heart of the reader.

Great work, I know that it is mind blowing to be incarcerated, but somehow this is going to make you one heck of a poet/storyteller..Keep on writing down your thoughts and experiences, you are an urban poet my friend!

Much peace, love and light,
Amber "V" Moonstone

Great write Asa, I teach school and I have some young men I will show your poem to, I am sure they can relate. Keep up the good work, let out all of the emotions, writing can prove to be very therapeutic. God bless you hugely.
Nicole

I understand where you are, Joyce. I had a brother who was into trouble from the age of thirteen. Drugs,theft,you name it, he did it! At the age of 38, he died of a drug overdose....my Mom never really got over it. With grown children of my own, I know that but for the grace of God........ Asa writes from his heart, that is clear. The depth of emotion in is writing is truly inspirational. Keep on writing Asa, and I'll keep on reading....

Blessings to both of you,
Your Canadian Friend, Anna

Asa is a talented young man who not like me writes true poetry.

There's much feeling in this poem and a strong sense of the author wanting desperately for others to understand.

It has an Ezra Pound feel to it. Life in the raw that others can not imagine. God in his mercy has led Asa through this dark period in his life.

george

Yes, much wisdom from experience in these verses. Well said, my friend. God bless.

Powerful, strong, wise...

Compelling and meaningful verses, Asa. Of course I do not "know" but your verses can teach. Thank you for sharing this, Joyce. Love, peace, and blessings to both of you,

Regis