Poems from Folsom Prison

By SISU

These poems came from a place within a Finnish man's mind, to escape the walls of confinement. They reflect the turmoil within the prison, and to look back at the peace and tranquility of a former life. I was an "outsider," and not in the good graces of the "jailer". Therefore, the only thing I could do, was to rely on my Finnish mind. The Finnish term for survival is called "Sisu". They had my broken body, but not my mind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 31, 2008
• ISBN: 9781468533507

SISU

The author was born in 1950 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After completing a bachelors degree, he decided on a career in the building trades, working as a carpenter, project manager, consultant and business owner. He has lived in several parts of the United States and has traveled throughout parts of Asia, Europe and the South Pacific. He now resides in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A second book depicting the shady world of covert operations is in the initial stages. The author prefers to remain anonymous.

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© 2008 Sisu. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 12/29/2008

ISBN: 978-1-4389-3730-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-3350-7 (e)

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

The following ramblings are from one locked up, shut out from the outside world. Inner strength, provided to me by my Finnish heritage, kept me alive. Some would call it a tenacious state of mind. The Finnish term is Sisu.

The ramblings are dedicated to my finish forefathers and the only person that stood by me, Tova.

The sun and clouds have gone away

They always come and then go away

On days that are important and trying for me

I think they are there, just so I can see

That there are some out there, looking for me

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While thoughts come and go in your mind

Tell you are looking for something to find

You may not acknowledge or know this

Step forward now, pay attention, what you are going to miss

Each and every one of us has more to give than you know

Has more ability to make thoughts grow and grow

But thoughts are only the beginning of it all

Get them all together and use your wherewithal

Use it to help someone and yourself

Then in this warehouse of life you’ll be on the top shelf

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OK, here goes for Pooh and puppy

I really think it sounds too yuppie

The other name you gave him called Norfolk

Sounds more appropriate not like a stork

So now we decided we’d stick to this name for our son

I don’t think another dog would have the same one

Norfolk you are such a very nice pup

But when you walk through the condo you do tend to strut

Before we get to the next poem and my memory has a loss

Let’s get one thing straight, I am the boss

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There are many complexities in life

One of the worst you can have is called strife

Some of these bitter conflicts are not only for you

Contention among people causes it too

Stick to your conviction, if you think you are right

Don’t let this decision disrupt your life

Recall always these strong judicious words

You’ve only one life to live, speak loudly, be heard

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The troops are out on the floor

Some from the stairs come at the door

Others are getting ready to shower up

And some of the rest will just sit on their butt

A bunch of kids they really are

Some will sit and play cards

Others like me find it real hard

To grasp all these things in my mind

For later to put pen in hand and write

Words I see in my mind

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Stop for awhile and really think

Of the names of people who really stink

Are there many or just few

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If the number is greater than ten

Cross them off the list, get rid of them

Now list the people who you do like

No, not the ones who bring you strife

But the ones you care for and are dear

Take the list, be thoughtful, hold it to your hearts near

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Oh mom, you have been so loving I must tell

Whether on top of the wave or in the swell

There are not many