by redclay | Sep 3, 2021 | Detention Center Writing Contests, fiction, Poetry
by Bianca Jones
Third place, Poetry, Heard/Arlington County Detention Facility/OAR writing contest, August 2021
I been through so much
Trying to be grown, and make up time of being alone
Having a child at 17, when I barely know whats in between
Trying to fit in, trying to be perfect
But was afraid to ask God am I worth it
18 back in forth to jail
I felt like my life was nothing but Hell
19 I was out in about trying to figure things out
People, Family the ones I thought was my friends
Was quick to judge but yet commit the same sins
Everyone thinking they are better than me
Because of my skin or due to them having a degree
22. I stepped to the late, doing what best before its to late
2 young sons, I had to do what I could to maintain my funds
People would laugh, people would joke
but I could care less I had to much hope
Everyday I did what I did
by 25 I was on my 3rd kid
It was never a struggle after 25,
I did what I could to keep me and my kids alive
26 back in jail,
I felt like my life was meant for me to fail
A year later, my life got straighter
finishing college, gaining more knowledge
keeping my life together making it solid
Jail has taught me a lesson
that to always count your blessings
take advantage of the things you have
God will never let the devil in your path
Now I look at life, in talk with a laugh
because I wouldn’t be great if it wasn’t for my past
A brighter smile,
A brighter me
My 3 sons made the best of me
Now I’m stronger
Now I’m wiser
I have always been a fighter
I missed some shots, but caught my rebound
And Guess what…
You could NEVER BREAK ME DOWN!
by redclay | Sep 3, 2021 | Detention Center Writing Contests, fiction, Poetry
by Leonardo Antonio Reyes
Second place, Poetry, Heard/Arlington County Detention Facility/OAR writing contest, August 2021
It’s crazy the type of stuff you see on
Kids barely 13 selling bags of that rock
Violence out of control, younger and younger,
Its crazy the stuff that you see
Young women corrupted selling they soul
For what they think is a lot
People glorifying the streets thinking its
Let me tell you right now
selling dope ain’t the only way to get to
But we so messed up we think its
No role models so we looked up to
We played games with our lives, our
Slowly but surely our lives go down the
Start getting locked up, start going insane
But this could be a blessing long as you
Stay off them drugs, start stimulating
Start realizing there’s another way out
Got that legal money, don’t have to
Do right by your family and right by
Show ‘em its more to life than
Selling drugs and doing bids
by redclay | Sep 3, 2021 | Creative Writing, Detention Center Writing Contests, Fiction, fiction
Ricky Turcios
First place, fiction, Heard/Arlington County Detention Center writing contest, August 2021
This is about a life of twins, not just any twins, conjoined twins. On the right, there was Ben and on the left there was Ken. In the womb, yes, they were twins with their own bodies but as they grew they tried to absorb one another. It was a constant battle between Ben and Ken even before birth.
But eventually nine months had passed but by then the twins were already fused to one another. As they mother, Nataly pushed and pushed Ben was the first to come out or should we say the first half to come out. To everyone’s surprise, shortly after Ben arrived Ken came as well. No one, not the nurses, doctors, midwives or Derrick and Nataly the mother and father of the twins expected this to happen or be possible, since the doctor had not seen or said there was a chance of this being an outcome.
But to Derrick and Nataly it didn’t matter, they were going to love them as any parents expecting wins would. After a week in the hospital after the birth of the twins were ready and excited to be able to bring the boys home. Raising Ben and Ken was as normal as raising conjoined twins could be.
As the boys grew older, it was a constant battle of left vs right, right vs left, etc. From which direction to walk, what to eat, what toys to play with, what color clothes they enjoyed wearing. Even at a young age, Derrick and Nataly could see that Ben and Ken were their own persons linked only by sharing one body.
As Ben and Ken became older their intrests were different from one another. Ben enjoyed logic and reason with math and science, while Ken enjoyed emotions and being a free spirit with art and music. Their mother and father never played favorites and loved each the son the same.
But Derrick and Nataly slowly were becoming worried that the conflicts Ben and Ken were having. The boys were in high school by now and had different goals and ambitions. Ben wanted to study math and science to make a career out of it, either an accountant or a scientist. Ken wanted to further his studies in art and music to become either an artist or music producer. The twins would argue about what subjects/activities to invest their time and energy into. Their parents did not take sides they just wanted them to be happy and successful. Derrick and Nataly soon wondered what the outcome would be and if there was any way the twins could agree to be one together.
Derick and Nataly soon found themselves talking to doctors and therapists to see if anything could be done to help them. Eventually Ben and Ken took matters into their own hands and found a surgery that could help them live their own lives and a doctor more than willing to do it. It was simple, well easier said than done. The surgery would split the twins apart giving them their own bodies. The survival rate was 50-50 meaning either twin could die from this. After showing their parents and week of talking and thinking and pleading, Nataly and Derrick decided to support it. It meant the world to their sons and [they] wanted them to be happy and live their own lives.
After countless appointments and discussions, Ben and Ken were ready to do the surgery. Nataly and Derrick asked the boys if this is truly what they wanted and that this was their last chance to back out. For once in a long time, Ben and Ken agreed in unison that this is what they wanted. The twins were placed and prepped for the surgery, the doctor put the twins under and told them to count backwards from 10. Ben and Ken fell into a deep sleep. It had been 13 hours since the twins went into the operation room, and fear had taken over Derrick and Nataly.
Another two hours would pass before the doctor came out and told them it was done. When Ben woke up in his hospital room he saw his mother and father by his side with a mirror. Ben had the biggest grin on his face.
But as Ben looked around the room he felt an urgency, where was his brother Ken? Ben frantically looked left and right, right and left, but could not see his twin. Ben quickly stood on his feet ready to bust out of the room to find his brother. He heard a flushing sound from the bathroom and out came his twin Ken in his own body. The brothers hugged and cried tears of joy that they both got what they wanted.
Nataly and Derrick teared up as they saw both their sons for the first time be their own. It took some adjusting but Ben and Ken came out strong. The twins graduated high school. Both applied colleges that interested them. Ben went off to Texas to study math and computer science, while Ken went off to New York to study fashion and music engineering.
Nataly and Derrick were proud of them both and happy to see them take off on their own and study what had interested them. Even though thousands [of] miles apart, the twins could still feel one another and would always be spiritually attached.
by redclay | Sep 3, 2021 | Creative Writing, Detention Center Writing Contests, fiction, Fiction
LF
Second place, fiction, Heard/Arlington County Detention Center writing contest, August 2021
Chance is a 13 year old boy from Arlington, VA. Growing up, Chance always wanted to [be] someone great, somebody who makes a difference in the world. He wanted to be known as someone other than the Fairwell family’s odd ball, that wouldn’t amount t[o] anything. The other members of the Fairwell family all had something they were known for. They were always showing up in the county paper for their accomplishments.
Chance’s older brother, Tommy (16) was known for his athleticism. He’s one of the top best football players and track and field stars in the Northern VA region. Along with 2 other guys from our rival school. Tommy’s won so many metals, trophies and awards that his mother ran out of space on their many bookshelves that line there living room walls. He gets calls from scouts from all over offering him all kinds of stuff for him to join there team.
Zion (14), Chance’s second oldest brother, is a science wiz. At just 14, he is already known for creating a model of a human brain that showed which parts of the brain effects the different parts of the body, [which] parts effect emotion and if damaged (say in a car crash) how it effect the persons behavers. Zion has studied under some of the world’s top [neuroscientists] who he still considers his mentors and close friends to this day.
Chances brother weren’t the only ones in the family with a [passion] and drive to do and be something great. There parents David and Karla Fairwell were also very talented and driven people. Mr. Fairwill [is] known as a no nonsense lawyer. With his track record of an almost 95% [conviction] rate speak from itself. As for Miss. Fairwill, shes known for not only her beauty but also for her delicious pies. Her number one being apple. That has numerous blue ribbon over the years.
Always finding joy in helping others, Chance would volunteer at the local homeless shelter. Almost every day after school and sometimes even on weekends. They was one person in particular that he was drawn to and that person was Chuck.
Chuck was a 62 year old Vietnam vet who everyone swor was crazy and had lost his mind because of the war and years of drug and alcohol abuse. Chance found him to be very sane and actually very smart. They would sit, talk and play chess for hours. Chuck shared with Chance how he was once married to a beautiful woman named Nancy. Nancy unfortunately passed away almost ten years ago.
That is when Chuck started going downhill. The loss of his beautiful wife put Chuck in a dark depressed place. He would drink until he passed out and then he would wake up and drink some more. This cycle continued untill he lost his job and the house that he shared with his wife [which] is how he ended up on the streets.
Since meeting Chance something changed in Chuck. He began to clean himself up. With help from Chance Chuck got into therapy. Found some NA/AA meeting in the area. Chance gave Chuck in his future. He motivated him to change for the better and get clean and on his feet to want better out of life.
Chance would go on to help others in the shelter get there lives back. By the time he graduated from high school Chance had help over 30 people get out of the selter and liveing better lives. He started a nonprofit to help people with finding the help that they needed. From mental health, substance abuse, or even housing. He would even help supply thing like food, toiletries, blankets shoes and socks and other clothings.
Chance had finally found his calling and went on to help many more. Always with a smile on his face, open mind and ear for anyone who needed to talk. He has touch the hearts of so many people over the year. The number one thing he would always let them know was that its never to late for a second chance at life…
The End
by redclay | Sep 29, 2020 | Creative Writing, Detention Center Writing Contests, Fiction, fiction
You’ve Been Warned
by Walter D. Kissee
Second place winner, fiction, Heard/Arlington County Detention Center/OAR writing contest, August 2020
Hus lay in his bunk in his cell staring up at the ceiling. ACDF in VA had been his home for 1 year. The only thing he had to look forward to was that he would be released in two month. Hus didn’t really talk too much usully stayed to himself Most of the time he lay in his bunk and look at how big his to son boys where getting.
Him and his child mother relationship began going down hill when DOIR began hangout with a pimp called Moe. Moe was well known in VA for having the badest sexist females in VA. He was also known to be violent and don’t take no mess attitude. When Hus hurd about DOIR hanging around with the well known pimp. He ended ther relationship.
While locked up Hus heard rumors how Moe had DOIR stripping and selling her body and mouth for him along with the rest of the female hoes Hearing those stores mad Hus sick Ever since DOIR began dealing with the pimp she slowly eased Hus out of her life The vist stopped the letters, then finally she stopped answering the phone calls.
During these times Hus stayed postive and did his best not to take his anger out on anyone else In do time he would be a free man and be able to live a nomal life The first thang Hus was going to do is go get his two boys Hus cell door popped open He new it was lunch time He stepped out his cell and hopped in chow line.
“How you feeling today?” an older man named OG asked in the chow line
I cant complain as Hus looked around to cheeck his surroundings, as Hus look at the back tables he saw 20 men all brothers wearing all black sitting at the tables for the past four months Hus noticed the group of men stayed to there selves and didn’t interact with any other inmates
What’s up with those guys Hus asked being noise
Who the ACE’s OG said. Bunch of loose canons trying to start a movement that’s sure to get the killed
“A Movement?” Hus repeated, what kind
They claim they gone to be the next Black Panther Much Bigger Better OG said there going to clean up the streets
Hus smiled the more OG told him bout the ACE’s He became intersed He wanted to know more. As the grab ther food Hus asked OG How are they going to clean up the streets OG said what they need to be worrying bout is how there going to be cleaning up the blood they on a suicide mission
OG laugh
Whats so funny Hus asked.
Jail is crazy OG said Niggas in jail always got all the plans on how they going to do this and that he lauged But as soon as they get out they jump right back into the shit that got them locked up.
Its wild Hus agreed He looked back over at the ACE’s, he hurd what he said But these men look about there business
The ACE’s where in deep converstation what ever it was It was serious, OG said you see the one talking right now He’s the leader Way The guy sitting to his right is his right hand man His name Real-Live He definitely lives up to it
Hus ask where did they get those names from
I don’t know but to me it looks like something is bout to go down ****
Way and Real-Live sat back and watched young knuckle head sell dope to a few customes Way and the ACE’s already approched the young man who called hisself TRU told him to stop selling that poison in the jail
But of course TRU continued to get his hustle on, since the Bloods gang were backing TRU he felt he was untouchable and ignord the ACE’s warning
Im bout to clap that nigga Real-Live said looking for any reason to put in work. He was in charge of security and muscle of the organization Real-Live was violent. And a vicious man who lived for action
“If we catch him make another sale its on until then we chill,” Way said He was the leader, the creator, and the brains behind the ACE’s. The hole purpose of the ACE’s was to clean up the community and get rid of all druger dealers and any body who was trying to destroy the community Way knew he had a lot of work it would be no easy task
He was up for the change Way and Real-Live were ready
You Been Warned
by redclay | Sep 29, 2020 | Creative Writing, Detention Center Writing Contests, fiction, Fiction
Dreamer
by Derrick Barnes
First place winner – fiction, Heard/Arlington County Detention Center/OAR writing contest, August 2020
As Thomas approached the intersection he avoided the turning car by mere seconds. This was not the first time that this has happened. Thomas Adrian was known to be different. Even as a child he was a loner. Although he was born with striking good looks and an abundance of charisma he was standoffish. It was always like he couldn’t quite fit in.
At three years old he had a terrible fit of colic, that was so bad that it required both parents to miss work. The irony of the episode was that his dad, Thomas Sr., was a managing director of a shipping company who was experiencing downsizing. On that day a disgruntle employee came into the company’s wharehouse and shot eight people. For some it wouldve been considered a coincidence but for some reason the hairs on big Thomas’s neck stood up.
Thomas Sr vowed to watch his son very closely from that point forward. At age five Thomas Jr saved his sister from falling down a flight of stairs. Six months later Thomas Jr created a scene that alerted police to stopping an attempted robbery of the neighborhood gas station.
At age twelve Thomas Jr action prevented a fire at his Jr High School. His teacher was preoccupied and forgot a bunsen burner was on near a flamable gas. Tommy turned off the gas a moved the substance.
As he got more in tuned with his ability Tommy realized that he was gifted with the ability of foreshadowing.
Unlike most peoples belief he saw glimpses of the future in certain situations but these brief flashes were enough to help him become more aware of his surroundings and the people in his space. This created a super sense of awareness.
For many years Tommy thought that he lost his ability but on his eighteenth birthday he got a flash of many things all at once. The first vision showed him his mother crying and kneeling on the ground. In his mind Tommy saw this like a movie being fast forward. The scene cut to a water view and tall palm trees. A quick cut again it was a scene of him speaking in front an assembly of some sort.
Tommy was baffled by the things he was seeing. As the night progressed Tommy’s friend wanted to show him a good time. They arranged a party at a mutual friends house. It was there that one of his friends had tried to give Tommy cocaine. But paying attention to his earlier flashes it all made sense to him now. He was seeing alternatives of his actions or consequences. The first was his mom reacting to the news of his death. The second was the view from his honeymoon suite. The last was him accepting the Nobel prize.
In reality we have choices daily that define our lives but could just redefine that moment choose wisely and your dreams may become your reality.
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