We had a prompt in Creative Writing class for Writing Real Life . That prompt was JUSTICE
The goal was not a poem, but when I looked over what I had written – I knew it should be. In this day and age, when inequality is screamed about from so many different “voices” this prompt reminded me of how where I was born effected and affected my view on justice.
Where are you?
Why do you let them do this to me?
I never chose to be born
in a housing scheme.
I never chose the life you gave me.
The “friends” I am surrounded by,
the opportunities thrown my way
– you know like wandering
around steep canyons of three
storey tenements with misery seeping
out most windows–
every night because
YOU deemed WE
were unworthy of anything else.
Why do you cause me to
fear the flashing blue – the
wailing noise screaming
“me get – you now – me get – you now”
causing me to search for any wrongdoings
I may have missed in my own acts.
Lovely silver bracelets tying me up
in fear because of the streets I
tread and NOT the
acts I have done –
I am guilty because of a
post code
and YOU – justice – scream
out that I must prove
my innocence –
because of a post code.
© Stuart Patterson 2020
This POEM is part of a wider collection to show the journey that would eventually lead me to the cross of Jesus Christ, my personal redemption, and my journey of faith afterwards. If you would like to know more of my story, please click on my “About” page and take it from there.
Alternatively, you can visit the Media Links page and see a short visit done by BBC Radio Scotland for an interview I did there.
I have now released an early edition of my story, Completing the Tenner.
I have also published two poem books: Simply Jesus and Five Weeks in May
You can purchase these direct from Amazon (please use Amazon Smile link below and Amazon will contribute to ECC at no cost to you), They are all available in both Kindle and Paperback formats.
Or you can buy directly from me. Email me directly to arrange this.
There is now a devotional aimed at new Christians called “Take a seat“ this is available direct from me.
If you or someone you love, needs help with the Christian response to addiction, or if you would just like to know more or need hope, please click on one of the following:
The Haven
Teen Challenge Strathclyde
Teen Challenge UK
Teen Challenge Global
Street Connect
Bethany Christian Trust
Jumping Jacks Outreach
Cornerstone Assemblies of God, Maryland
Broken Chains Ayr
Easterhouse Community Church
Stuart Patterson
Shop through Amazon Smile and Amazon will donate 0.5% to Easterhouse Community Church, costing you nothing.
Alternatively, you can donate to the work of Easterhouse Community Church via PayPal
or scan QR code
Completing the Tenner 