Poem: NOW WE CONFORM

by Ojore McKinnon, Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility

I remember the slave ships
They sailed the Trans-Atlantic

Now they sell penal institutions, to be filled with
descendants of those who survived the trip

I remember on the slave ship
We were packed in the hull, in our own filth and stench

Now we’re packed and wareoused in cells, in inhumane
conditions, smellin’ another human’s stench

I remember on the slave ship
Bodies were thrown overboard to drown

Today we’re thrown in penitentiaries fo’ Life
and given the D.P. for being “G” Down

I remember on the slave ship
In the dark under-belly we plotted revolts against our captors

Today, we plot on other captives
never contemplating the system as a factor

I remember on the slave ship
We shuffled in shackles on decks

Now we bail prison yards,
pump-iron, post-up and stay-on-deck

I remember on the slave ship
The crew forced us to the ground, assaulting us with barbs

Now we lay spread-eagle on prison yards,
the crew standing over us are prison guards

I remember on the slave ship
humans insulted our sense of humanity

Within the Department of Corrections they debilitate,
not rehabilitate nor strengthen our mentality.