when i saw the position of program counselor

it intrigued me so i apply

i knew the basic back drop until i got a phone call for an interview

the interviewer informed me the setting of where it's located, along with its culture

the next day

as always,i came ready and prepare

as i was on my way to newark, new jersey

also known as the brick city

as i was on my way, i was thinking

this is a long trip

but then again, my train of thought imploded with a lifetime reminder

at least i'm free

and although it took me two hours to get there, at least i smell a breath fresh of air

these young cats have a long journey that took longer than two hours

on their way to essex county jail in newark

when i got there, i went through the interview process

the interviewer ask me

if i wanted to take a tour, i said absolutely

i was not intimidated, i was once in their shoes

in a place where they tell you what to eat, when to shower, what time for recreation, etc.........

as i went on a tour , there were powerful quotes that illustrarted signs of life and inspiration

i met inmates

ranging from the age of 14 to the day their life is over

times up

no light, no life, no 2nd chance

every day, every minute, every second, every milli second

gone, vaporize that vanishes to thin air

they were kind believe it or not in a manly way

you know, yo what's good, what's up playa, what's good homie

all i said was what's up fellas, what it is, what's up

bloods and crips in one area

sharing few stories, but none to laugh about

that's something you do in a family picnic

as i walking down the narrow hallway

there were stares of all, the blank look, the looks of disenchantments 

the same look that lied to them when they thought it was cool to kill somebody

their way is why they are incarcerated

because they lost

i didn't judged them, i know what its like to be judged upon

as i left waiting for the bus heading home

i took that same breath of fresh of air and reminded myself to be grateful of my life

i am, remember i was once in their shoes