convicts and felons
they institutionalize
punishment for those
they victimize
some even crossed
enemy lines
while most kept
their eyes on the prize
most had no daddy
in their lives
many had a mama
that they despise
imprisoned bodies
imprisoned minds
days of our lives
modern day slaves
and they pacify
with new releases
and popcorn on
movie night.
college, not the system
was his parents goal
but little johnny spent
30 nights
in the hole
rehabilitate, reform, and refine
is doing more than
make black men
lose their minds
try to plant your seed
carry on your name
before you go
once you in the system
you'll no longer grow
can't impregnate a man
can't turn back
the hands of time
can't leave the system yet
parole has been denied.
when you do leave
your name is scrutinized
ridiculed, mentally abused
even ostracized
they trying to end us all
black man, they call it genocide
they don't want us to reproduce
or your sperm to multiply
can't own a weapon
your a felon
for a new president
you can't vote
became a victim
of the system
but don't ever give up hope.

********
dedicated to those in the penal system 
and victims of the system.