How can this be, that at 19 years old
I caught a crime that now defines me.
In the eyes of many I am a murderer,
but in the hearts of my family and friends
I’m a person that made a grave mistake,
It has been proven that at that age,
my brain wasn’t that bright,
but that doesn’t negate the fact
that I took another man’s life.
Having no sense of direction led me in the
wrong direction. Had me believing that fighting
violence with violence was the right direction.
If I only knew then what I know now,
I would have followed the direction
of the kids I used to clown.
Now I sit behind these prison walls, 30 years later
being a mentor to the youth around me,
praying I can save them.
Wow! How can this be? I’m trying to save the youth
from going down the same path as me.
It’s been a blessing, asking for forgiveness and
receiving it in return. So I give thanks and gratitude
to my victim’s mom.
I can’t change what’s done and still, I seek
forgiveness from God.
But I know my past won’t define me,
only the recent things I have done.
My murder conviction…. I know I can’t escape that.
But I also know I’m not the same person who
perpetrated that act.
I have come a long way
in my journey of growth and development.
Becoming a man of morals, values and principles
has changed my life relevance.
My murder conviction… I can’t change that fact.
But I know that I’m More Than My Crime
and that’s a fact.
