Railroaded!

I met a man of another race

whose pain he bore

behind a strong smooth face.

When he looked at me

with those dark brown eyes

I was instantly attracted

I felt hypnotized.

We talked about life and the

obstacles he met

and how he overcame them

with tenacity and grit.

He was an athlete, scholar and family man

but ended up serving time

in a local state pen.

After three years in lock up and

five more for probation

he felt angry and violated

and under constant supervision.

They had railroaded him hard

exchanging innocence for

notorious fame,

slapped him with a label

and stole his name.

Now the internet owns his photo and more

adding misery and humiliation

to the pain he once bore.

Author's Note

Based on a true story.

Reviews

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

That glimmer of awareness where one knows the truth of race behind every glare shines true, well done, good read.

[Dara]

If only more people could "walk a mile in their shoes". Thank you for taking the time to read and leaving your thoughts with me.

[.]

It seems stereotyping still reigns supreme in our "advanced" civilised societies. One should only be judged on their true character and the worth of their actions. Unfortunately it is not always the case.

A well written, realistic and honest piece of work.

[Dara]

Yes and it is getting worse all the time. However there seems to be a glimmer of hope with the passion behind some of the newer generation. Perhaps they can make a difference where so many "grown ups" have failed. Many thanks for your words of wisdom!

[emmajoy]

Wonderfully honest and near raw writing, Dara. You've hit the proverbial nail on the head - as you often do. I've wonderfed if the pigs that hurt others so deeply don't ever realise how filthy they are and how that mess lies deep in their so.called souls?

True stories are sadder than the imagined ones. Brava, dear DAra.

[Dara]

Thank you so much Emma. Your reviews are so enlightening and you always seem to "get" what i am trying to say. Sadly it is mostly about money. Each prisoner awards the prisons 40,000.00 a year. They seem to target minorities and those you cannot afford a decent lawyer. How they live with these false accusations I do not know, but I do believe in Karma! What goes around comes around.

[emmajoy]

I think money and pigs go well, don't you.. as dirty as each other in many circumstances. .. (You)

[McEltic]

Being stereotyped and railroaded is more common than you know. If you’ve always wanted a motorcycle, don’t grow out your beard and buy a Harley :)

[Dara]

You are spot on. It is just like the old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story/poem. :-)

[Mari' Emeraude]

This is heart wrenching. I'm sorry that this happened and the circumstances that may have led him down this path.

[Dara]

Thank you for your kind words. It is a travesty and something that happens all too often here, especially for those who do not have the money for a good defense. So nice of you to stop by:-)

[Alfred Kukitz]

nice word flow dara. i felt that pain and sincerity casting its fateful score.

regards,
al

[Dara]

Many thanks Al. It such a pleasure to see you here and your words are very much appreciated!

[Donna]

Hi Dara, I really feel your pain when reading this. I was in a similar situation many years ago. Its just not right. I do understand what you went through and thank you for sharing this. Nice writing!

[Dara]

It is such a sad situation. So many people that cannot afford a good lawyer simply get lost between the cracks. I wonder if it will ever change. Thank you for sharing with me!

[Lydia Shutter]

Your compassion for this man comes through vividly in this well written poem, Dara. The rhyming at the beginning made the words flow easily. In our technological savvy world, we must be very careful what we do and day. Nothing goes away completely. Lydi**

[Dara]

Thank you Lydi! I cherish your reviews. I have had alot of trouble getting onsite lately amd somehow missed it until now. A thousand thank you's for your wonderful comments.

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, there were a couple weeks the site had trouble. Glad it is up and running again. You are quite welcome, Dara.

[Coyote Poetry]

The world can be so cold and heartless. Your story in the poem is common. Old mistakes hold you down forever. New world. The media. No more privacy. Thank you Dara for sharing the powerful and worthwhile poetry.
Coyote

[Dara]

I used to look at the world through 'rose colored glasses' but the reality it can be a very harsh and unforgiving world. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my poem!

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my friend and you are welcome.

[Einstein Noodle]

you poem doesn't say whether he was innocent or not ..but you make a great and important point about the internet says i! filled with lies that are believed and spread in a blink ...to the ruin of someone most accusers never did nor will know anything about ... so sad ... and in my "old brain" an incomprehensible thing that bullies cause death ...i am stunned to silence about it ..they don't even know each other ... going to my prayer closet now Dora ..thank you for this wonderful well written poem and true story ... i hope your friend has recovered a good life
E.

[Dara]

Thank you so much, E. Looking back I might need to change it up to clarify his innocence. The tragedy was, he was a victim of the system and given lawyers who did not give a d.... and therefore was put away for 3 years. I so agree with you sentiment regarding the internet. Sometimes I wonder if we were not better off with it or at least some of the social media aspects it brings. So very good to see you! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy being surrounded by those you love.

[Einstein Noodle]

Thank you Dara! and right back at ya!