by Smoov Angel

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Even the air, free as it may be, struggles to 

find freedom within its surface, molded in the shape 

of walls, silenced to agony untouched, as cries echo 

throughout the core of a lost soul. I try to look past 

the steel. 

Cause and effect. 

Does the flower grow beneath the darkness while it 

suffocates, anticipating its break through. Future events  

are out of focus when the present state is not the gift that was promised? 

No one asked to be here, though some might assume 

justice is served. Facts are circumstances dictating 

the movements of those created to live free.  

So few enjoy the perks of power.  

The sun rises but doesn’t shine through windows of grief.  

Peace comes to those who sacrifice happiness in pursuit of  

a better outcome. I once sat at the side of a stream,  

only to notice a repeat occurrence, the same situation 

I currently go through. Time is passing me by. 

My brain stretches in hope of release from the tension  

that causes chaotic friction, searching for that ray of light  

beyond my grasp. I don’t know what tomorrow holds. 

Today seems as uncertain as the wind’s direction. 

Maybe the realm outside this cage brings stability, or 

maybe i should occupy my time more wisely. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Smoov Angel is the oldest of two boys, born in North Philadelphia. He is a gospel hip hop artist, songwriter, and poet. He was featured in XXL Magazine as an up-and-coming hip hop artist in the 2012-2013 edition. He has performed around the country as a secular artist and since becoming a Christian, has performed in many churches throughout Philadelphia. He was part of the church rap choir at SCI Somerset from 2016-2018 and has been rapping in the church rap choir at SCI Phoenix since 2019. He is also an aspiring actor who has been in 2 Shakespeare plays, Macbeth and Julius Caesar, at SCI Phoenix (2019 – 2020). He plans on continuing his calling as a gospel hip hop artist as well as starting his own entertainment company, branching out to other areas of entertainment. 

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