I run miles in squared circles 22 strides long by 11 wide, Brushing the walls with my shoulders, Nudging them outward . . . pushing against my confinement. Flying in my mind's eye, challenging their oppression. I daydream of loved ones and glance at the sky On the straight-aways . . . 22 strides long by 11 wide. I fight all the battles we won on the streets, I breathe with the cadence I set with my feet. And when I tire before I'm ready to stop My mind recalls the story I've read so often to my kids. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can . . . As the little engine struggles to the top, And the joy of the children as they change the chant . . . I thought I could, I thought I could, never say can't. So the pain melts from my lungs And settles in my heart As my stride opens up To the pace at the start, A new cadence grows as I cover the distance, One we all know . . . Repression Breeds Resistance Repression Breeds Resistance Repression Breeds Resistance
(Written 1990, Control Unit, Trenton State Prison) by Tom Manning, 10373-016 P.O. Box 8500Florence, CO 81226-8500