Who can say that they saw it all?
From the moment of its conception, I’ve born the weight of this oppression.
When I was alone in the darkness, I never folded, but stood tall.
See who I am now, I was molded and cast.
When the weaker ones crumbled, my spine stood fast.
Always surrounded, no room to breathe, still, always alone.
They all leave at some point, but for me, this will always be home.
I was there that day when you first came through,
Barely a man with a life sentence to do.
You were hard, but I’m much harder — as tough as they come.
Something always gives when life ends so young.
I remember that time you got jumped, that other time you got stabbed.
I even remember that time you lost your cousin, Aunt, Uncle, and dad — though you knew you should, it was hard to feel sad.
Ain’t it funny how you can mourn a family you never had?
And even though it’s a bit hazy, I still remember when they disappeared you in Tamms.
Despite this facade, that was a place even I couldn’t stand.
The only goal back then: survive as long as you can! Damn!
This place is so toxic, even the air and water make you sick.
That was twenty years before covid even hit.
I’ve been here and there, all over the state.
I survived the worst places these people could make.
My walls got higher and higher despite the falling crime rate.
You wouldn’t believe how many prayers for freedom I’ve heard:
In a place like this it all seems so absurd.
One day you might make it: parole, death or escape
Freedom’s hard to come by when you’re surrounded by hate.
From a boy to a man, many lessons it took,
My only advice for the next one: stay in them books.
After 25 years you’re finally a little closer to the door.
Looks like you won’t be around to keep me company no more.
After this, you can survive anything.
Trust me, I should know.
I’ve been here since the beginning
I’ve watched them all come and go.
And so I’ll see you on your way, finally a free bird.
And I’ll bear witness to your journey without uttering a word.
So for the next century I’ll remain, watching this sea of humanity rise and fall.
But I swear I’ll never speak on it.
I’m just a brick in the wall.
