The Long Road
By John (The Princes Project, Liverpool)
"I have recently moved into the Princess Project in Liverpool. This is my first time within Adullam Homes. I find this area to be very cultural
and the flats to be clean and homely. Since the age of sixteen I have spent most of my life living in some form of an institution; this is the first
time I ever been supported towards living independently. I now have my own cooker. I am still unable cook; but I must be managing somehow, as I still
haven’t set off the Fire Alarms. There is nobody there in the morning to tell me to get up, check on me last thing at night before going to sleep.
I stop sometimes, and listen for the sounds of an institution to arrive, but they are gone.
"I have a Support Worker who is supporting me with my Mental Health needs and assisting me with getting a placement in college, where I hope to
undertake an Access Course, which will help me gain entry into ‘Higher Education’. Miguel, the Project Manager does everything he can to support
and help integrate us back into the community living productive lifestyles.
"The first thing I did when moving into Adullam Homes was put my mattress in the living room. The background pictures of my television, music,
the spacious living room, cosy and warming. I was so used to living in one room. I spend most evenings writing, listening to my music, watching DVDs
with a beer in my hand. I no longer have to pay pub prices and risk getting into trouble.
"I began creative writing many years ago and find this addictive; writing for me gives me a meaning in my life, a sense of achievement whenever I
am published. Writing is an instrumental form of expression, atmospheric and a second energy within my body and mind. Before I found words, I just
existed. Through Adullam and creative writing, I may have an opportunity to further develop my education and widen my employment prospects for the
future.
"The biggest surprise for me is the culture within Adullam. I now live in a very cultural area. The greatest benefit about my Project is it only
takes me ten minutes to cycle to the Central Library in Liverpool City Centre.
"Now I have an opportunity, this is one ‘Long Road’ for me to walk; but I am still travelling that Long Road that I began to walk nearly two
years ago. I hope you enjoy my poem. "
The Long Road
The sun shivering – gone shy, as the foggy convict smiles into liberation.
The traffic is quivering and scattering, the road is long and free.
Society is passing by, a new day, a different walk, oblivious and innocent to the smiling conviction crossing their pathways!
The cafeteria is roasting in caffeine. The convict makes an entrance of sheer attraction, feasting in liberation, thinking about the past.
One day I will never return!!!
Discharged Friday 13th
By John
