Railroaded!

I met a man of another race

whose pain he bore

behind a strong smooth face.

When he looked at me

with those dark brown eyes

I was instantly attracted

I felt hypnotized.

We talked about life and the

obstacles he met

and how he overcame them

with tenacity and grit.

He was an athlete, scholar and family man

but ended up serving time

in a local state pen.

After three years in lock up and

five more for probation

he felt angry and violated

and under constant supervision.

They had railroaded him hard

exchanging innocence for

notorious fame,

slapped him with a label

and stole his name.

Now the internet owns his photo and more

adding misery and humiliation

to the pain he once bore.

Author's Note

Based on a true story.

Reviews

[Samantha Tamburello]

Wow, a refreshingly raw and real lens to a human being, rather than the "inmate" label. Many people overlook those with criminal records without realizing circumstance. This is beautiful.

[Dara]

Thank you for this insightful review. I do appreciate your thoughts very much!

[Great Aunt Astri]

Oh yes, what a sad, sad state of affairs. You write this very effectively in a simple but strong poem. Good rhymes and a steady 'jog along' beat. We have photos on the internet page of my town, with the caption, 'The town's most dangerous men'. How on earth are these people supposed to rehabilitate when they are condemned in such a way. The trouble is, if you label someone 'bad,' that may well be what they become. But your 'man from another race' seems to have huge patience and dignity. I wonder how he has the strength to deal with it al?

[Dara]

Thank you so much for your thoughtfu review. You have made many great points and regarding how he endures it all, he has good moments and some very dark. He has a loving family and supportive friends which help but unless he seeks legal aide the stigma remains.

[Chris Shaw]

So the punishment continues even after he has served a sentence . No wonder he feels angry and violated. Where does rehabilitation fit in this picture? it clearly doesn't. I hate injustice. Good read, but left me cursing the internet.

Thank you Dara

Chris

[Dara]

To add insult to injury he was innocent of said crime but could not afford a good lawyer. Thank you for this very compassionate review!

[Chris Shaw]

Leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Everyone deserves to be represented by a decent lawyer.

[Dara]

Yes, it is sad because there are those with money who are not innocent and get off with just a slap on the wrist. I wish I knew what the answer was.

[Chris Shaw]

So do I. So much for justice eh? You have served him well though Dari by writing this heartfelt poem about his plight.

Chris

[Dara]

Again, many thanks!

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome.

[Neville]

Don't they say truth is stranger than fiction.....an enjoyable read if ever there was...... N

[Dara]

That is an excellent way to put it! Your time and review mean so much. Thank you.

[Neville]

Hey.. no problem, no worries, my pleasure... Neville

[Crowley]

It s a shame that once something like this happens, thee seems to be no shaking the stigma regardless of how you have changed or made amends. A great look at the difficulty of stereotype and how it is easier to believe what you see on the internet versus making your own decision and knowing all the facts. Great work!!!!

[Dara]

Your review is spot on! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and absorb my poem.

[Kelly Scheppers]

There's got to be more good in this world to dissipate the bad and evil. Your introspect here made for a riveting read, Dara.

[marilyn 1225]

amazing story told with compassion and talent as well wow!!

[Dara]

Thank you Marilyn. Sometimes it is important to see things from another persons eyes. Life can be so unfair. Great to see you here!

[Samuel Dickens]

A too familiar tale, I'm afraid. There's just so much unfairness in the world and too many people with cold hearts. Do they not know that we're all in this together and the product of the same creative hand?

[Dara]

Yes, it is so disheartening to see what a cold world this is becoming especially at out "own back door". So wonderful to hear from good hearted people as yourself, Sam. I hope all is well wirh you. Been thinkin' about giving you a little 'poke' to make sure so am especially happy to see you here. Take care!

[B. Boileau]

An all too often tale. Sometimes we sit back and ignorethese stories, Thats what makes this hit home and thats what makes this one all the more special.
It's always a pleasure to read you.

[Dara]

Hello Bill, good to hear from you again! Yes, these things always seem to happen to someone else until you witness it for yourself. Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful evening.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Unfortunately there are a number of stories akin to your poetically poignant piece! Theses manipulated miscarriages of justice only highlight the enormity of the task for truth to break and bind a flawed system.

But … at the end of the day …. the truth will set them free! Well written and good share! :-)

[Dara]

Well said! Thank you for adding your words of wisdom to a subject that has effected me deeply on a personal level. I wonder if we will ever see the day that the system is brought to light.