It’s been said a life is priceless,
But freedom is not.
You can purchase my life,
But my freedom I can not?

Is a life that is tarnished,
Still worth as much?
If freedom is taken,
Can a bunch be bought back?

Years of slavery,
The Constitution says facts.
We call them Amendments,
The fourteenth is exact.

Modern day slavery,
Combined with a life.
Means no more time,
For kids and a wife.

If my tarnished life
Were no longer priceless,
How much would it cost me,
When to you nearly worthless?

How can I pay you,
And still have mine?
Still have life
And still have time.

Could I be a soldier,
And pay my debt overseas?
Risk my life for my country,
And buy back the deed?

Bathe in the glory,
With sacrifice and pride.
Live through the nightmares
Of others who have died.

Wash off the tarnish,
And come back anew.
Knowing I paid with my life,
It’s what I want to do.

There is no honor
In dying a prisoner’s death.
No parades or salutes,
Praises in depth.

Only tears from a mother,
Or whomever may be left.
A cardboard box, a hole, and a number.
Maybe some rain, but hardly the thunder.

Let me die with some honor,
To further a cause.
I’m still one of the Nation,
And that’s under God.

I can’t sleep at night,
Because I see a way,
For me to wager my life
At a price you can pay.

With nothing to lose
And all to gain.
You still will win,
Even if I get slain.

You say a life is priceless,
But freedom is not.
Then you purchase my life,
But my freedom I can not?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Terome Porter found inspiration for this poem in his proposal, “Project Reform” – a prisoner’s push for redemption. He can be contacted at:
Terome Porter #680067
Davis Correctional Facility
DCF-CCA
6888 East 133rd Road
Holdenville, OK 74848-9033