I've Taken Off My Mask

“I’ve Taken Off My Mask.”

I've taken off my mask so I can see the right way

I’ve taken off my mask to face each new day

I’ve taken off my mask, let tears flow from my eyes

I’ve taken off my mask, letting you and others inside

I’ve taken off my mask, knowing hope is not gone

I’ve taken off my mask, others and Christ I can lean on

I’ve taken off my mask, I will not give up

I’ve taken off my mask, I am looking up

I’ve taken off my mask, I know I’m not alone

I’ve taken off my mask, cause I think God’s still on the throne

I’ve taken off my mask, knowing I can believe

I’ve taken off my mask, He and advocates change situations for me

I’ve taken off my mask, I stand in faith and pray

I’ve taken off my mask, please help my path have a new way

I know this is just a short prose but sometimes I just come across them or sometimes I write some. It’s hard to take your mask off in here after 40+ years in prison sometimes.

Today I believe in the possibility of prison reform, presumptive parole, second chances, second look laws, parole board reform, or sentencing projects all because there are people and advocates out there fighting for us. There is so much on both sides of the political spectrum and the moral spectrum that are involved in movements and I hope they one day will promote restoration, rehabilitation, and putting age and families back together giving people who made mistakes at a young age like me at 21, a chance to give back and share testimonials that can hopefully educate, and keep others from taking the same paths that caused us and others so many scars.

If you are listening to me right now, I want to say thank you. A friend and an advocate sent me this the other day, the quote was ”sometimes nothing good happens to you yet because you are the good that happens to others”. Even after 40+ years, I try daily to give back. I try to mentor; I try to put positive out there in the universe. I stay strong for my family and friends, and I want to be a blessing to other people, help them change and learn…yet I admit I’m tired at 62. But that doesn’t keep me from staying true to my character. I like no longer being overlooked and my voice and truth are heard.

Today, I thank everybody who helps me feel that worth in my soul and my spirit. I thank you to those who see lives like mine and others that have value, and they stand with us and give us a voice and a purpose. I say thanks to the advocates, groups, families and friends who have still stood in the trenches with us. I’m gonna pray that April which is considered the month of Second Chances…will bring miracles in my life and others. Thank you.