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The Twenty-Mile Block Walk

I remember It was the longest walk of my life I was tired of running Nothing really mattered anymore anyway So I had a friend drive me down to Los Angeles So I could turn myself in at the Prison Gate He dropped me off about a block away I had stashed some things up inside of me So I could come up once I hit the yard So every step carried with it A certain amount of physical pain But nothing compared to the pain inside As I walked I was thinking about my wife and kids At least I was sparing them the sight Of watching me get carried away in handcuffs AGAIN I was so tired I hadn’t slept in days And from Northern California where I lived To the prison in Moreno Valley Was about a 14 hr drive But Harry and I were so spun out it took us a couple of days Anyhow I was walking along Empty as a grave waiting on a casket Hollow as a tree full of termites So sick of it all that I couldn’t wait to get into my cell And I started thinking: With each step along the way Each has its own price to pay All the things that I now feel They have broke down my will Turn myself in and get it done These guards will know I’m spun Is this how far my life has fell Leave my family to go to hell I really just wanted it all to end Get out sooner if I turn myself in Legs felt like million lbs. weights 20-mile block to reach that gate With each step desperation grew Because my very soul was torn into Just keep on walking and get it done Jesus Christ fool turn around and run I knew the guards, which was no surprise Hell we’d spent years telling each other lies Final thought of my walk that day Last time I’m going out this way Funny, the end of one walk is where another begins Thats why as I stepped through the gate I had to grin Written for Constance's contest. This walk from my friends truck to the Prison gate was about half a block but seemed like an eternity. My wife and Parole Officer together talked me into turning myself in. In short, that walked sucked really bad, never again! God Bless mj

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 10/30/2009 7:39:00 PM
Congratulations on this win...very nice poem but very long walk I'm sure....Marty
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Date: 10/26/2009 8:27:00 PM
Dear Michael, Congratulations on 1st place in Constance's WalkContest You have gained my utmost respect as I walked across the border into Canada rather than turn myself in YOUR Wife and Parole Officer gave YOU really Great advice If I may ask Did it reduced YOUR sentence When I returned they added a year YOUR Laureate Style Enhances me A Long Walk in that half a block YOU are a Super POET Blessings ALWAYS...HG
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Date: 10/26/2009 6:10:00 PM
amazing poem, Michael, congrats!... jim
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Date: 10/26/2009 5:18:00 PM
Michael I know this tool a lot to write, and I'm so glad you did. This was beautiful though, a well written heartfelt piece my friend. Blessings to you always. yf4l ~Michaela~
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Date: 10/23/2009 5:16:00 PM
Con gratulations on your win with this emotionally strong piece and congratulation as well though I was sure it was definitely a long and hard walk,and decision to do the right thing,,,blessings to you and yours and I wish for you happiness and much more in your life,,,,Blessings...Cecil
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Date: 10/23/2009 4:48:00 AM
Congratulations, MJ, on your success in Constance’s “A Walk to Remember” contest with this heartfelt poem. Sometimes, our choices send us down unpleasant paths in life. Some learn. Some NEVER do. All the while, God is watching and angels are cheering us on to make the right choice. Your poetic skills shine. Lovingly, Dane Ann
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Date: 10/18/2009 12:29:00 PM
Moving and excellent as always MJ! Congratulations on your big WIN! ~Trudy~
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Date: 10/18/2009 10:42:00 AM
A very moving write..congrats on your win in the contest. Love, BG
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Date: 10/17/2009 7:09:00 PM
Superb piece Michael, it's not a walk i fancy >> James
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Date: 10/17/2009 5:42:00 PM
I know this was a difficult poem for you to write. It is a strong person who can show the world their weakness. It was an amazing walk. I was totally awed by your journey and that is why I considered this poem my winner. I always recall a quote a friend of mine, a recovering alcholic, used often "God did not open the gates of heaven to let me in, he opened the gates of hell to let me out" Not to belittle any of the other wonderful poems in the contest but you deserved to win.........
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Date: 10/17/2009 2:42:00 AM
Congrats on your success in the contest Michael.Rgds Brian
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Date: 10/16/2009 8:31:00 PM
MICHAEL!!!!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. LOOK HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME. #1. Congratulations from your #1 fan. Love you my freind. lainie
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Date: 10/16/2009 5:31:00 PM
This honest portrayal of your difficult yet, memorable walk, so wonderfully written, yet hard to imagine. Congratulations with this winning poem! ~ Love, Carrie
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Date: 10/16/2009 3:27:00 PM
Wow! Michael!!... Brilliant stuff here! Congratulations! - Tim
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Date: 10/16/2009 3:07:00 PM
Congratulations on your win in Constance's contest Michael. Love, Carol YF4L
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Date: 10/16/2009 3:02:00 PM
Congrats Michael on your first place win!! I'm glad for this is just awesome my friend. Love Light Truth Patricia
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Date: 10/16/2009 2:42:00 PM
MJ, a big congrats on your big win...Raul
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Date: 10/12/2009 9:34:00 PM
I appreciate your pouring your heart out Michael..... taking ownership was a great step of responsibility....your are a role model for us all......
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Date: 10/6/2009 4:25:00 PM
very emotional, can't imagine really but I have family members who have been there. glad you overcame!!
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Date: 10/5/2009 1:33:00 PM
Had to be hard. Keep writing. Sara
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Date: 10/5/2009 8:28:00 AM
This one hits us right between the eyes....most of us can't imagine the fear, heartache...but such a miracle of the blessing that came in the end. Wow! ~ Carrie
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Date: 10/5/2009 7:47:00 AM
Best wishes with this one Michael.Rgds brian.Just to say I airmailed your prize this morning.
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Date: 10/5/2009 6:12:00 AM
I am sure I missed so many amazing poems this past weekend. I enjoyed reading yours today Michael. Thank you for sharing it. I wish you the best in the contest. Love, Carol
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Book: Shattered Sighs