I lived my life, exposed to violence.

I did not know how to

get out of it, nor if it was even possible. The only people
that I knew, that only people that I could look up to, resorted
to physical, verbal violence to resolve things. Everyday I
prayed that something might save me and my family, that
someone could step in and at least enlighten me, tell me
what do I do, sadly, no one ever did. Not knowing anything
else, I tried to run away, and that night I saw you and your
child, and you looked so happy together. I guess I felt
angry, that some people can so privileged of experiencing
love. I dealt with my emotions through the only way I knew,
through violence.

It is my fault, and I am truly sorry for the loss. But at the

same time, as I thought through, I realized that I cannot
give up on my life. I still want to be a person, and I don’t
think that being behind bars, would allow me to be that. [ I
am weakened and helpless already, to be in prison for at
least 12 years, at a time when I should be allowed to grow
will only worsen the case. ] As much as I am at fault, I, too
am offended. I believe that a community is held responsible
for making sure that their children can grow properly. ]

Instead of a punishment, maybe you can help me become

better instead. Perhaps it would be possible for you to teach
me, to guide me in becoming a person, to become a
member of this society. Maybe by then, I would be able to
serve this country for the better, as an individual adult.

I lived my life, exposed to violence. I did not know how to

get out of it, nor if it was even possible. The only people
that I knew, that only people that I could look up to, resorted
to physical, verbal violence to resolve things. Everyday I
prayed that something might save me and my family, that
someone could step in and at least enlighten me, tell me
what do I do, sadly, no one ever did. Not knowing anything
else, I tried to run away, and that night I saw you and your
child, and you looked so happy together. I guess I felt
angry, that some people can so privileged of experiencing
love. I dealt with my emotions through the only way I knew,
through violence.

It is my fault, and I am truly sorry for the loss. But at the

same time, as I thought through, I realized that I cannot
give up on my life. I still want to be a person, and I don’t
think that being behind bars, would allow me to be that. [ I
am weakened and helpless already, to be in prison for at
least 12 years, at a time when I should be allowed to grow
will only worsen the case. ] As much as I am at fault, I, too
am offended. I believe that a community is held responsible
for making sure that their children can grow properly. ]

Instead of a punishment, maybe you can help me become

better instead. Perhaps it would be possible for you to teach
me, to guide me in becoming a person, to become a
member of this society. Maybe by then, I would be able to
serve this country for the better, as an individual adult.