Creative corner: ‘I’m just an inmate’ by michael Videau

Who am I to demand justice?
I have no rights.
I'm just an inmate.

Human rights, women’s rights, children’s rights, animal rights,
What am I to expect?
Oh! what the heck, 
I'm just an inmate.

I trusted justice and received conviction without evidence.
I became the property of the state,
Oh well!
I'm just an inmate.

No control over any part of my life, yet I exist.
Damn, I'm pissed!
The power of the D.A.'s office and the court system to have me jailed,
With erroneous testimonies,
the verdict was hailed,
Make him an inmate.

I pray to God and have great faith,
and yes,I'm still the property of the state.
I'm just an inmate.

The faith that I have, in the power of prayer and of my God,
I'm confident and trust in my Lord.
Truth and justice will prevail;
I know this down in my soul's core.
​
My faith and fighting to show my innocence,
I know soon,
I will be an inmate no more. 

If you or someone you know is a currently or formerly incarcerated person with creative content to offer, please submit your materials to admin@vote-nola.org and we'll be in touch! We'll share the content on social media and always give credit to the artist(s) involved. Any type of submission--whether stories, poems, illustrations, music, videos or something else--are welcome! Michael Videau is currently incarcerated at Angola State Penetentiary.