Time Is an Ocean

I speak to you in Jesus's name As Jesus speaks through me, The evil we do can't be blamed upon our destiny I have walked through the valley of death-row to the shore I have stumbled through silvery water to my savior, my Salvador! It took me four years to learn I was in prison not in church. And two more to begin the book of my soul's search. Time is an ocean of endless tears A wild boy from the streets of El Barrio An orphan from the hills of Mayagьez And when I wrote my story The words flew from the page And my soul in solitary Escaped its iron cage. Time is an ocean of endless tears Mama, I got your letter today The next time that you write I'll be transferred far away. I'm leaving Greenhaven's towers of stone Where the Latin population will soon be minus one. Time is an ocean of endless tears. I know how hard it's been for you these many years, You say the Aguinaldo makes you dream of home Where once we strolled the beach at El Malecon Go back don't you worry, I am your grown-up son. The politics of prison are a mirror of the street. The poor endure oppression The police control the state. Correctional facility That's what they call this place But look around and you will see The politics of race. A forest and a prison Where the snow and guards are white If you want to keep your sanity You'll teach yourself to write. You were a child of sixteen With a twelve-year-old mind You came here numb and battered By the streets I left behind I'll take the evil in me And turn it into good, Though all your institutions Never thought I could So now I'll turn to say goodbye I'll keep your image in my eye I turn around to say goodbye I'll keep your image with me till the day I die Time is an ocean of endless tears