Poem by Osiris Abu Ameer

Doing time

Tic toc tic, as time goes on, I’m alive
Tic toc tic, as time goes on
I can feel each minute of the day.
I’m alone in a 10x10
Walls on each side.

This is my existence.
I didn’t choose to live this way, I’m alive!
My body screams from every pore
I’m here, counting the time, second by second
I can’t take it much more!

I read, I paint, my time is consumed
I daily thought.
I think positively.
I pray to God constantly.
This is the hardest fight i’ve ever fought.

Give me strength Lord, Do not beseech me.
I live my life counting your blessings.
You were the only force to reach me.
Tic toc tic, time goes on, I’m alive.
This is my existence, this is how I survive.

By Osiris Abu Ameer, 9-26-‘93