Behind Bars, Father’s Day is Marked by Anger and Absence

While some young men and women reach out to their fathers from behind bars, most mark the day in anger, remembering only absence. The following short pieces about fathers were written by young detainees in San Francisco Bay Area juvenile hall writing workshops run by The Beat Within, a weekly publication of writing and art from the inside (www.thebeatwithin.org).

Chump
My father has never been there for me. Since birth all he’s ever been is bad news for the family. In and out of jail -- yet I can’t be mad at him for that, ‘cause look where I am!

The only thing I can be mad at him for is he’s never been there, and when he was, he was high as a kite, and/or beating my beautiful mother.

He’s been in San Quentin State Prison for ten years of my life and this has made my mom and me that much closer, so when Father’s Day comes around, I shout, I love you momma!
--RJ

Less Than a Man
My dad to me is dead, a bitch and trash! I could care less if he tries to get to know me. It’s too late! I’m 17, almost a man.

My father knows where to find me, but just chooses not to get to know me. Before I would get mad, but now I see that I do not need him in my life. Really, who needs a drug dealer who stays in and out of jail? My dad is not a man!
--Cherry Bomb

Read More