ME. Strong. Power

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!

Tibetan Flags with Friends of Guest House

Imagine if you created your Tibetan Prayer Flag, with your own affirmations. Tibetan Prayer Flags are traditionally believed to bring happiness, peace, prosperity, good fortune, health and victory over obstacles. Who doesn’t want that? The residents of Friends of Guest House created their own flags on August 23, 2021 under the loving direction of our amazing Sharmila Karamchandani. Take a look at these videos and photos, and listen to the powerful messages these brave women created for themselves.