Poison Pen

No Apologies

This is a book of poetry written while I was in prison in 1982—’83. Although my writing style has changed much and I felt a compulsive need to alter many of these poems as I typed them in for this collection, I resisted. The reason for this is simple. Poison Pen is a reflection of where I was during the years this was written. To be true to myself, to what I was, whether pretty or ugly in the mirror of these times, deep in the passion of my addiction to heroin, I present myself as I was. In the world of poetry there may be many who find fault with my style back then. To these poets, I say that Poison Pen is my truth. It is my testament to the inferno from which I emerged scathed.

There are those who might say some of these poems are politically incorrect. If you are one of those people, I suggest you get into a time machine, travel back to 1982 and ask to be let into Maximum Security at the prison and confront me there.

We’ll talk it over.

I have no apologies for what I was. It was my path at the time.

I have no apologies for what I am today.

Written in Salem, Massachusetts in what they call a sober house. 18 September 1999.

Free Love
You can love me
the way I am
You can leave me
the way I am
I’m not changing for you
I’m just changing.

Written in West Boylston, MA in what they call a house of correction from 1982—’83 by Marc D. Goldfinger

poisondetail

Visiting Hour

Almost visiting hour.
I wait.
Hoping —
As they call
Numbers.
No names here.

Numbers.
Numbers.

I had a name
Once,
A long time ago.
I was free
Once,
A long time ago.
I knew laughter
Once,
A long time ago.
I saw you
Once,
A long time ago.

They call numbers,
But not mine.
No number.
No name.
No visit.
I can’t laugh in the mist.

by Marc. D. Goldfinger from his e-book Poison Pen.

Marc. D. Goldfinger. Poison Pen. 101 pages, e-book.