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by Keith ‘Malik’ Washington
Toxic death flowin’ out of the prison’s water spigots.
Beat down and abused by racist bigots.
Confederate grey uniforms they wear.
Open pride for white supremacy on display and laid bare.
I remember all the hate campaigns launched against me.
Too much pain, sleepless nights, my mind not at ease.
FINALLY GRANTED PAROLE IN TWO THOUSAND NINETEEN!
The Creator of the Universe heard my pleas.
But what will become of the comrades left behind?
From my desk at the Bay View – whom will I SAVE?
Twelve long years in Texas.
In Trump’s New Amerikkka, am I still considered a slave?
I organized prison work strikes – asked for help; little came.
Long term solitary confinement was the punishment.
Next door neighbor committed suicide – driven insane!
In Huntsville they have the gurney and the needle.
Poison forced into our veins.
Sen. Joan Huffman hid the identity of the pharmaceutical corporations,
Sen. John Whitmire clandestinely down with the games!
Twelve years a slave in Texas.
Oh, y’all thought I forgot your names?
In Texas the warden conspires against you.
The prison guard carries out the task.
Ligature marks on our wrists and necks.
AG Ken Paxton has no questions to ASK? – COMPLICIT!
Gov. Gregg Abbott attacked the Panthers.
Comrade Rashid and I resisted.
Texas contacted the Fusion Center and they gladly
aided and assisted.
Anarchists and socialists came to our aid.
Twelve years in Texas and still a god-damn slave!
There is a debt that must be paid.
Prison slave laborers buried at Central Unit in mass graves.
Broken backs, whips and chains.
Today in 2020, happy slaves in Texas still work for free!
Getting’ pimped and exploited under the church steeple.
I tried my best to wake them up and transform them all into
SERVANTS OF THE PEOPLE!
Snitches and rats informed on me.
The police poisoned my food.
All this and more for striving for righteousness and
fighting for the greater good.
Branded a Black militant and extremist.
Every day I was facing hate.
It is I, your Comrade, Brother Malik.
THE REAL ENEMY OF THE STATE!
Twelve years a slave in Texas.
No more tears, only laughter.
Getting’ ready for the next chapter.
Freedom is sweet and love is pure – NUBE.
They did their damnedest to break me, baby, but
with mutual aid and solidarity I was able to endure.
The COVID-19 pandemic has the future looking so unsure.
Twelve years a slave in Texas.
A living testimony, here I STAND.
Here to show the world that even the people society
throws away have the power and strength to HEAL OUR LAND!
Twelve years a slave in Texas.
A SLAVE NO MORE I BE.
It is now time for all of us to unify and organize in order to
SET ALL THE CAPTIVES FREE!
Keith “Malik” Washington is assistant editor of the Bay View, studying and preparing to serve as editor after his release in September 2020. He is also co-founder and chief spokesperson for the End Prison Slavery in Texas Movement, a proud member of the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee and an activist in the Fight Toxic Prisons campaign and Liberate the Caged Voices. Visit his website at ComradeMalik.com. Send our brother some love and light: Keith “Malik” Washington, 34481-037, USP Pollock, P.O. Box 2099, Pollock LA 71467.
Today, July 19, is Comrade Malik’s birthday. Send him a word of cheer on the Bay View Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/bayviewnews.
