I've been consumed | Damoni Hall | TEDxAttica

Through poetry, Damoni takes us on an emotional journey leading to his incarceration, but ultimately to his faith.

Damoni Hall is a man of integrity and a great encourager to all people. He has attended Alfred State College and Erie Community College, where he studied psychology. Among his many accomplishments since being incarcerated, Damoni is now a clerk in Attica’s Industry Department and an active member in the Youth Association Program. He loves sports, reading, and writing poetry.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

I have been consumed by sorrow and pain.

A series of negative memories,
harassing my soul and brain,

reminding me of my past.

Now, I'm a man of great faith,

so I know that I will never finish last.

However, my current surroundings
only reminds me of the beautiful life

that I once had.

I had taken a lot of things for granted,

because at that time
I didn't appreciate it,

nor did I understand it.

Despite all of my storms and trials,

I have traveled many miles,

but the lessons along the way

is what I have failed to examine.

Life is precious,
and is too short to waste,

and I will surely tell you why:

Because I went from a college campus

to a prison campus.

It all happened in the blink of an eye.

My life has consisted
of many ups and downs,

many smiles and frowns,

but it's unfortunate
because I am the ultimate reason

as to why my life has been
driven into the ground.

Following false idols
and repeating the same cycle,

I was unaware of my situation,
which had eventually became vital.

My lust for women, a diseased mind,

my neglect for the truth, substance abuse

were all negative tools
that I had used to destroy my youth.

And now, honesty has become my truth.

And now I'm sincerely devoted
to making a difference in this world

through every word that I have spoken.

When I ...

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

(Applause)

When I sit back and I think
about all of the lives

and the people that have been affected
because of my actions,

that guilt and that shame,

it brings me deeper than the ocean.

God's endless love
and his mercy is my potion.

That pure medicine that helps me to stand.

No matter what I may endure
or possibly suffer from,

it's all a part of a greater plan.

Love, courage, and determination

will lead me to the exoneration

of all of my past failures and my regrets.

And deep down in my soul,
I know that this is true.

Dedicated to my new way of life,
along with repentance and change,

I have now been consumed by you.

God bless you all. Thank you very much.

(Applause) (Cheers)