OCTOBER Writing Exchange 2026

THIS MONTH’S PROMPTS

Writers were invited to reflect on who knows the real them, tell the story behind something they own, or take the open topic and write what needed to be written.

Entry #2277

War

Lately I’ve been stuck. I've been feeling like I failed, like I let a lot of people down. I usually wouldn't care if I was locked up or feel sorry for the people it affected when I'm in here, but this time it feels like I **** up. I'm missing a lot of important life moments for myself and others.

Some of my people don't want to help me anymore because they say they went through this with my parents, and they're not going to do it again. This makes me feel weird because it's like they helped my parents through all of this, when they were kids and grownups, even when my parents weren't there for me. But when I needed support, I didn't get it. I don't blame them, but it still seems kind of messed up.

Recently, since I've been incarcerated, I've thought a lot about my life and what I want to do later on. My mindset has changed a lot since I found out I was having a kid, but mostly since being locked up. I got a chance to be released on certain conditions, but I failed at that, and now I'm going to miss the first few months of my child's life. This impacts me in ways I don't even really know yet.

The most important thing to me right now is changing for the betterment of my son's life and trying to give him what I didn't have growing up with my parents incarcerated. I don't want him to have to survive by himself and go down the same path as me. Because going down this path is like fighting a never-ending war with myself.

Entry #2278

Maybe One Day

I don’t really think anyone knows the real me, myself included. I’ve been numbing myself for so long I’m forgetting who I am—who I was. I don’t understand myself unless I’m on drugs. Drugs know the real me. They know how to make me feel good. They know how to help me forget everything I’ve been through, all the things I wish I never saw. Drugs heal me in ways no one could. Maybe I was just born an addict. Maybe if I never met that boy, I wouldn’t be. Maybe if my life was different, I would’ve never even wanted to try anything. Who knows? All I know is that I hate to feel. I also hate everything I do just to get high.

Some say addiction is a disease. Others say they do it to themselves. So why feel bad? Why help them? No one will truly understand unless they or someone they love has seen or experienced it. It has a way of creeping up on you. I could be the happiest I’ve ever been, in such a good place, but I will **** it up just to get that feeling. That feeling. It’s that feeling that keeps me going. It’s what keeps me up at night. It’s all I think about. Everyone says, “Take it one day at a time.” It’s easier said than done. How could I give up that feeling? The only thing that numbs me, the only thing that helps me forget the mess I’ve made of my life, the only thing that knows the real me?

Maybe if addiction didn’t run in my family, I would never be this way. So many possibilities. I wish I knew the “real me.” I wish I remembered the old me, before the drugs and all the mess I’ve made in my life. I’d like to say my great-grandfather knows the real me. He means everything to me, but he doesn’t know that I need to get high every day or I’ll be sick. He doesn’t know all the **** I’ve done to get high and get money. He doesn’t know I’ve stolen from our family just to get that feeling. That feeling. That’s all I think about. I wish I was different. For my grandfather. There’s no way that his first great-grandchild does any of that. No way. He wouldn’t believe it.

I wish I was the real me. But I’m being controlled. Maybe if I get help, I’ll see the real me. Maybe if I can just not need that feeling anymore, I can see who I really am. I don’t know. I hope one day I can finally understand who I am, who I am meant to be, who the real me really is.

Entry #2279

I Do Now

Someone who knows the real me is my pops because he’s been through the stuff I’ve been through, and he’s felt the emotions I’m feeling as of now. He knows how to help me cope with being locked up because he’s been locked up before as well. Unlike others who call me a bad kid and try to give me a bad self-image, he tries to help me think positively. He doesn’t blame me for being here or try to discourage me because of the bad decisions I made. Instead, he tries to build me up to do better. Growing up, I didn’t have my dad, but knowing that I do now makes me feel comforted and cared for.

I can do stuff around him that I usually keep to myself, like make dumb little freestyles, and he’ll say something dumb right after in a freestyle. In other situations, when I’m feeling down or upset, I can tell him how I’m really feeling and really open up to him. He is someone I can really show emotion to and go to for advice. At the end of the day, that’s how it should be, but growing up with a limited amount of family, it means a lot that he is here now.

Entry #2280

Love Me Back

I've realized I'm hard to love, and it's funny because I bare my heart so freely, like an open book. I couldn't hide my love from the world if I tried. But when people try to love me back, there's something about me that's unlovable. Something about me is wrong in their eyes.

Maybe I come off too strong. Maybe I'm too clingy, too codependent, or maybe I'm too sad. Maybe I overthink too much. I always need to know if you're happy with me or if I'm doing things right. But I never seem to get the chance to have someone love me the same way in return.

Entry #2281

She Stays on My Mind

I love my girl a lot. Every time I've been locked up or something, she keeps me going. She's really my motivation to do better. She sends me letters every day, and little does she know, they keep me wanting to go home to her so bad. The 15-minute phone calls will never be enough. I need to be right beside her, lying down while we talk about life and our problems. Sometimes I feel like she's the only one who understands me.

I tell her how I lived my life before I met her, and she still loves me for who I am. She really sees me for who I am on the inside. I'll always be a stepper, but I'll forever have a soft spot for her. Sometimes I think to myself, though, if she knew my deepest thoughts, would she look at me the same?

Entry #2282

Not Mine

I knew this was going to happen at some point in my incarceration. I've never felt this hopeless before. The fact that I can't do anything about it but yell on the phone just makes me even more mad. I just have one question: why? Why did she do it? What was she thinking? Did she think about me at all? All these thoughts flood my head like an old dam was destroyed while my ego tells me, “I told you so.” I already knew this was going to happen. She calls it overthinking. I call it experience.

I just wish I would have listened to myself in the beginning. I wouldn't be going through this right now. They say once you get locked up, your **** is gone. I told them, “Not mine,” but I was just in denial. I'm not going to lie and make it seem like I wasn't doing her wrong because I was being disloyal. But I just didn't think my actions would affect the future of my relationship like this.

They say you reap what you sow. I didn't want to believe the regular outcome of being incarcerated would become part of my life because my life is far from regular. So if you're reading this, just know you're not immune to what can happen when you're incarcerated. All I know is I will never be played like an instrument by anybody ever again.

Entry #2283

Acting Normal

I can be real with my mom’s brothers and uncles because they understand me and listen to me. When I talk to them, they are always there for me when I need someone to hear me out. One of my friends understands me the best. They see my kindness, my loyalty, my trustworthiness, and my gentleness. Other people miss that because of my looks, but it’s all good. I just don’t think about it or pay attention to it. Around them, I can act normal—laugh, make jokes, talk a lot, and hang out.

Entry #2284

Buried Away

I can be real with my mom, though she hasn't really been there. She's been incarcerated most of my life, but she understands my problems because she's been through a lot herself. Even though she understands me, I always just wanted a mom I could be with and connect with.

I've always had my dad, but it wasn't always the best. Still, he made it work. He was a single parent with eight kids. Yes, he would use drugs, but how could you blame him with all the stress and responsibility of raising eight kids? But that's no excuse. I never really understood because I was just a kid, but as I got older, I started noticing different things. My sister was basically my mom. She always looked after us. When my dad would go out, he would leave us with my sister, and she had no choice but to take care of us. She's also somebody who understands me because we all grew up in the same house.

I wish I understood my dad better. It's just different. When my grandpa died, a piece of me died, and my life took a turn. We used to go fishing, hunting, and all of that together. When he passed, I started sneaking out, partying, and doing dumb ****. I started drinking and smoking with my brother. He ended up in the hall, and I was on my own journey down the wrong path. I had nobody to really talk to. All my family members had things going on in their own lives, so I never really opened up to them or had anyone I could vent to. I kept everything buried away. I was never taught to open up, show anybody my feelings, or talk about my problems. My dad had turned us into men at a young age, so I felt like I had to carry that responsibility and never let anybody know how I was feeling inside. Even now, I don't talk to people about what I'm going through.

Now here I am in the hall, regretting life. Once I had my kids, I knew I had to slow down because I was either going to end up dead or in jail. Well, here I am. But I've changed since I've been down. I'm just trying to make it out and take it day by day. I can't let the time do me. It only really hits me when I go to my cell and see the concrete surrounding me. I just have to keep my head high and know there's light at the end of every dark tunnel. Keep my chin up and chest out, and know it's going to be alright. So here I am, just trying to thug it out and do better so I can be better and give my family the life I never had and always wanted.

Entry #2285

No Act Needed

My cousin knows the real me. I can tell her stuff I've never told anyone, and I never have to put on an act with her or be scared to be myself. She always has my back, no matter what, and I've always had hers. One time, when I was getting bullied by a boy and had no one else to help me, she was there for me.

She's been there through my ups and downs and has never given up on me. Even when I haven't been a good cousin or have been too much, she still tries with me and doesn't let me give up. I can tell her how I really feel, stuff I don't even tell my parents, and she doesn't judge me or see me any differently.

Entry #2286

Since I Was Six

My older brother and I have had a very interesting life. It started to get popping when I was like six. My mom and dad had split up, and my dad took my two little bros. My mom kept us until we started getting in trouble at school and getting kicked out. Then my mom got kicked out of her home, so she sent me and bro to stay with our granny.

At that time, there was hella family there, including some of my uncles. They were active gang members, and I looked up to them. So I hopped off the porch and started making a name for myself: getting locked up, running away, hella fades, and some other hot ****. My bro and I have been in and out of the system ever since.

Entry #2287

Everything

My dad knows the real me.

We've been through everything together. From me growing up to being homeless together, surviving the Camp Fire, riding dirt bikes, and going fishing. He taught me what I know today. We've had good and bad times, but he's the one who has been there for me through it all.

He just got out yesterday after doing nine months. I've been couch surfing since the last time I got out. When I get out in a year, I'll likely go live with him. Hopefully, we'll both be doing good then.

Entry #2288

Her Vibe

My girlfriend is the only person who knows I cannot sit still for more than an hour. She also knows what I like and what I don’t like. When I’m with her, I can be goofy, joyful, and happy. There is no sadness or anything bad because she makes me feel comfortable. She makes me feel special, loved, cared for, and wanted. I love her vibe and her presence. She always shows me love. I feel happy, but it’s also never the same when I’m with her. We usually spend time at each other’s house. When I smell her perfume, I always think about her, even if it’s someone else wearing it.

Entry #2289

I Love You

I think of your handsome face as the sharp blade cuts deeper into my skin. I watch the pretty crimson red blood run down my leg as I think about all the broken promises you made. I think about the screenshots as I stand up and get dizzy. I think about her as I lie in bed, too depressed to get up, checking her account for the 10th time that day. I think of your smile as I watch my mom weep for me. I love you.

Entry #2290

Shoes Off Her Feet

I would have to say my mom is the one who knows the real me. She's the person who gave me life and a good life to live. She understands who I am as a person, and she's had her fair share of trouble, so she understands mistakes. She always reminds me not to stress too much because you can move forward or always stay behind. She sees a kid in me instead of just thinking I'm a “thug” because of how I dress or how I want my hair.

She lost her brother to suicide when he was incarcerated, and it broke her down to rock bottom. But one day, she put his ashes in a necklace and said, “Now he is forever with me.” She smiled as if she got her spark back, moving forward in life instead of holding herself back forever.

She has a good soul and heart and would give you the shoes off her feet if she had to, or give away her food if she saw you had none, just out of kindness. She always says, “If I was in a position where I needed help, I would want some help, so why not give someone a little help when you can?”

Entry #2291

The Fast Way

If you really knew me, you would know I don’t get mad easily, unless I don’t like what someone says.
You would know that I am not scared of the dark.
You would know I’m pretty chill.

If you really knew me, you would know that I like making money the fast way.
You would know I don’t take disrespect because of my past.

If you really knew me, you would know I am in jail for a year.
You would know that what I did wasn’t for a bad reason—I was protecting my family.

If you really knew me, you would know that I love pain pills.

If you really knew me, you would know that I have three sisters and four brothers.
You would know that I like to go outside.
You would know that I like hoopin’.

If you really knew me, you would know that this is my fifth time in juvenile hall this year.
You would know that I don’t like school.
You would know that I love trappin’ out dividends.

If you really knew me, you would know that I am a big fan of art.
You would know that I do not like writing.

If you really knew me, you would know that I am almost ready to graduate.
You would know that I would make a change to be better for someone’s daughter.

If you really knew me, you would know that I love cooking.
You would know that I love being with my friends.

If you really knew me, you would know that my mom’s crazy.

If you really knew me, you would know that I’m not paying anyone for my football bets.

Entry #2292

When I Leave

I can’t believe I am sitting here again, incarcerated. Man, this ****'s getting old. I can't keep doing ignorant things. When I leave here, I'm going to be a grown man.

My life has been filled with a lot of adversity. Growing up was hard. I spent most of my toddler years in foster care, so the connection with my family wasn't there. Right now, I'm sitting in the same brick classroom I was in two months ago. I’m praying my life changes. Let's see where this goes from here.

Entry #2293

1 Worth 100

My cousin knows the real me behind the anger, the trust issues, and the fights. She knows everything. If you got to know the real me, you would know I love my cousin like a sister. I love my sports, being unserious, and making new friends. Most people I've grown up with aren't as trustworthy or honest as her. She doesn't have to revolve her life around drama to be happy, unlike others I've been around.

I don't have to tell her how I feel for her to know. Through the best days and the worst, she's always had my back. Whether I'm wrong or right, she never cared. When it's only me and her, my world is complete. Anything I tell her, I know won't be brought up in an argument. She's like my diary. I can tell her anything without worrying about who she'd tell. If you really knew me, you'd know I didn't have to know her from day one for her to be my day one.

Entry #2294

She Gets Me

In life, you face what I like to call “life and death situations.” You would think that my life was good, but you don't really know me. Even my dad, the person who has been in my life the most, doesn't really know me that well. And my mom ran before I even got to see the light of day. Not even my cousins know me that well, so the answer is nobody knows the real me.

I tear my heart to shreds thinking about the people in my life who have left me heartless and broken me mentally. They don't see me as an individual, but more like a second paycheck. That's how my drug-addicted parents saw me.

My pug is the only one who seems to get me. She cheers me up every time I go outside. The thing is, she can somehow feel my emotions and knows how to make me happy. Sometimes I feel like she's the only one who knows the real me.

Entry #2295

How the Time Has Gone

It's been three years. How the time has gone by. One thing I've learned by being in here is that you find out who your friends are. Who's still answering the phone and sending pictures? Those are your friends. All these girls were steady rocking with you till they found out how much time you got.
It's alright, though. This is the life we're livin' now, till it's too late. How the time has gone by. If I could take it all back, I would, but that's what everyone talks about when you're down.
How the time has gone by.

Entry #2296

Shine Together

The person who knows the real me is my brother. We struggled together, came up together, and helped each other out as much as we could. We lived the same type of life, so we understood each other's struggles. I've been through trials and tribulations, and my brother was there for me the whole time.

When my brother was incarcerated, I changed a lot. I started making the same choices he made at my age, getting into trouble and fighting. He was disappointed and tried to get me to do better, but that's not what I had in mind. Eventually, he accepted that this was the life I wanted.

No matter what I do, he's got my back, and I've got his. I may be locked up right now, but when I'm out, we're gonna shine together. I plan on making better decisions and getting money the right way, and I hope my brother tags along.

Entry #2297

All the Room in My Heart

There are five people who know the real me: my mom, dad, my girl, my best friend, and my little brother. I show them the real me because I trust and care about them. I know they're going to be there for me my whole life.

I wish my little brother understood me better. I don't think he understands how much I love him. But I can be myself around all five of these people, and I will never forget about them. They take up all the room in my heart.