Dear Sir or Ma’am
To you I may be that numbered file that’s stacked high on your desk That represents the wrong I’ve done, in the midst of all my mess. Yes, I’ve done my share of things that don’t make me very proud, Trying to be a “people-pleaser,” moving with the wrong crowd! And I know you probably view me as a villain or a crook; But I ask you not to judge me by the cover of the book
I do have a name and an identity. I have a story to tell! There’s a reason behind the story why I landed up in jail. And no, I’m not getting ready to give you a lame excuse. But I got to tell you, I’ve been through a lot! I’ve suffered so
much abuse!
All I ever wanted was to be accepted; to be loved.
Instead, this life done beat me down. I’ve been pushed, and I’ve been shoved!
This story I tell, it started from the very day of my birth.
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair, since I came into this Earth!
So many disappointments! So much hurt, and so much shame. That led me down this criminal path I thought would ease my pain. The more I tried to escape, the bigger the hole I dug.
If I could have only found that one who’d stop and show me love! Could you imagine what it’s like from youth to be told that you would fail?
“Little girl, you’ll never be nothing, you gonna end up right in jail!”
And I believed them when they said, “You’re a liar and you’re a cheat!”
And guess what? I became those very words that led to my defeat! Then I stood before you, listening to words I recognized. The way that you described me, am I garbage in your eyes? Hey, I don’t want to be that person you talked about in your speech! I’ve got goals and I have dreams that I need your help to reach! Yeah, I know it’s easy to lock me up, and throw away the key. But what about you stopping and helping me become a better me? Don’t just give me a place to sit, give me the resources I need to
And please don’t place them far away; make sure they’re within my range!
Have you ever messed up? Have you ever made a mistake? Has life been always peaches and cream or like a piece of cake? Was there ever someone special who offered you a hand? And if so, what effects did it have in your becoming a woman
or a man?
All I’m really looking for is a chance to become my greater self! I know I can do it with the right tools and a little of your help. Do you know how very much your encouraging words would mean? They could change my entire life and make a difference that
can be seen!
Please don’t give up on me; I promise I’ll do my best!
Don’t lock me up and throw me away, like they do to all the rest! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it! I really want to change!
I was wrong! I make no excuse! I accept the blame!
Please view me as you should, as someone whose life you can enhance.
Please oh please, Mr. Sir or Ma’am,
Will you give me another chance?