A conversation with a Delinquent

From Jail to freedom...

A Conversation with a Delinquent   By Sami Khalil

 

Time sped ahead of anticipation in jail. It is neither its first debut nor an onset of fever. Hard to gauge when something is bemusing for it provides valuable lessons albeit hard to forget.

In our shared conversation, he confided his secrets. “I was adjudicated corrupt, delinquent. I was ridiculed by my peers, shoved aside as nobody. Society knocked ne down where I had lost my comfort zone. Evil muddied my ways, robbing me blind of the true self. I needed to get away, to vanish to a place void of 'judgement zone'.

Beneath a canopy of stars, I prayed. For being on the defensive, I was an easy target. My fears galloped into a rumble. Dark clouds greeted my dead silence wholeheartedly. It was all rough and tumble before I got caught and sent to jail.

Blind anger at society drove me insane without alienation of the will. I asked God for release, to free me from the twists and bends, to reclaim my own space before aging dawns on me and takes advantage of its power,” he said.

As I sat watching him confess, I said: “Worry not. This too shall pass,” as his tears welled up, gasping for air. I went on to say, “Broken parts are never glued. They are mended. Be relentless, eager and willing. With each new day, free your thoughts from evil. Never tax them to the limit. We all desire validation, affirmation and ignition.

Start now, for you have to challenge your winters to get your springs. Memories rise from the depths of the forgotten. Peace rises from the hands of the gifted struggle. Love rises from spirits filled with joy. Rise up! Your spiritual season is at hand. You have dignity to sustain, dreams to chase. Rise above…"

Reviews

[Tom]

A contemporary, contemplative poetic prose, yes, the irony being that society itself can be counterproductive in that through its quite arrogant, dismissive attitude to those it views as 'less privileged and less equipped for life,' driving such vulnerable, impressionable individuals into deviant actions and petty crime, where the only outcome is incarceration in a state prison!

" Broken hearts are never glued" ..... Fabulous metaphor Sami, and yes, with time, maturity and reflectio, a blighted soul can redeem!

[Sami Khalil]

My sincere thanks and appreciation dear poet and friend. I love your poetic words and wise reflection on society and its views. That could be a subject to a poem if you like. God bless.

[Phillip W Parsons]

This is a poem and it flows in wonderful, rain!-splattered rhythm! Short, sweet and perfect!

[Sami Khalil]

Thank you so much Phillip for this review and poetic words. Glad you like it.

[emmajoy]

That visual is a trumpet voluntary, makes the reader sit up and take notice!

You've presented two gifts within one wrapping here, Sami, both equally worthy of closer examination. Delinquents ofvarying ages are like plants, they waste away if not given help or - discover by themselves, that there's root enough to survive. Then there are those who've managed to walk an even path or perhaps - found one, and they, dear souls that they are.. nurture, guide, advise.. as you, the writer has. You've shown the way so diplomatically, with neither lecture nor derision.. That voice you used comes from a special place. It matters. Truly does.

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa! I love your ways and takes on my writes. I totally agree. I kindly thank you from a special place for all.

[Sami Khalil]

"Delinquents ofvarying ages are like plants, they waste away if not given help or - discover by themselves, that there's root enough to survive. Then there are those who've managed to walk an even path or perhaps - found one, and they, dear souls that they are.. nurture, guide, advise.."

[Pax]

I didn't know you can write such compelling story brother. a perspective I can be empathetic about, sometimes I wish judgement zone was not created but its there for a reason, we all go through it the bad or good ways...

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well said dear brother. All for a reason and then how we react to people, things and situations can make a big difference. Life is short, so let us not waste it. Thank you so much the one and only Pax.

[Fay Slimm]

The strength and understanding of true empathy emerge from these lines and inform the reader of the need to understand the whys before making conclusions - - a fortunate delinquent indeed.

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa! So true and well articulated. Thank you so much Fay Slimm for this lovely review.

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

Is this imagination? It is a great impressive story poem of a convo with a delinquent and great poetic advices for life. Kudos for telling it eloquently.

Pls pleez do review/ comment/ give yer thoughts on my newest poem. I like Interaction for the human feel.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Not imaginative for I had those conversations at Barnes and Nobles with some. I added of course my style of writing in an elevated way of wisdom. Thank you so much and God bless...

[Einstein Noodle]

its hard to pass such wisdom on to our children, let alone one who is full of anger and sits in jail ... recidivism being what it is :( but always there is hope .. i especially relate to the value of the struggle .. the pain .. polished pearls the outcome ;) i am saying my little prayer right now for your little Delinquent, Sami :)))))))))))))))))))) whoever and where ever he/she may be ..peace and joy brother .. and as always i enjoy the elevated language of your writes
E.

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa! So true and well said. Thank you so much Einstein Noodle for this wonderful review and prayers. As you know, wisdom passed on to younger generations will be realized later in their lives even if not accepted at the present like anchors for the lost ships. God bless good sir.

[Beccy]

We come into this world innocent, full of wonder, without malice or forethought. We are shaped by circumstance of birth, guided to our destiny, good or bad, by those around us; choice a luxury not all can afford.

It comes to pass of course, that the good so often becomes suborned by the bad; but it is my belief that the innocence of the child remains inside forever; and with the right kind of contact and understanding, those 'broken parts' can be mended.

To me, this is a poem of hope.

Beccy.

[Sami Khalil]

Whoee! What a true and lovely review dear Beccy. I love how you speak truth to power. You have summed it up marvelously. That is the gist of the story; hope springs eternal. thank you so much for all.

[barleygirl]

I love your allegory, how you are presenting a teaching lesson in a vignette, rather than making a more pedantic statement about life. This piece delves deeply, expresses multi-layered concepts in complex, sophisticated language . . . in short, I hear Sami talking, but I don't hear a delinquent talking. I think the challenge in this piece is to come up with two completely-different-sounding characters. So far, I'm not convinced I am feeling the delinquent as a different entity in this conversation! But I always admire you for tackling the deep probing humanistic ideas! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa! You are right on the money. Two different entities with the poet putting himself in the shoes of others, feeling and understanding the situation and its root cause and then giving a fatherly advice freely in great perspective of life and its demands. Thank you so much wonderful Margie for all you say and share. An honor indeed...

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Whew, these are some POWERFUL words! "before aging dawns on me and takes advantage of its power," that line hits like a donkey kick to the stomach! This is full of very powerful imagery... well done!

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your shining examples on our cafe. God bless.