The Convict's Farewell: with Advice to Criminals, before and after Trial

"The Convict's Farewell: with Advice to Criminals, before and after Trial" by James Parkerson is a moving poem from the 1800s that acts as both a goodbye from someone locked up and instructions for people mixed up in crime. It shows what it's like for people facing punishment and teaches about what happens when you live a life of crime. The poem's speaker feels really sorry for messing up and being split from their family because they're in jail. They talk about how happy they used to be and the bad choices, like gambling, that messed things up. The poem talks a lot about how important it is to be good, how dangerous bad habits are, and why people need to say sorry for their mistakes. Later on, the poem gives advice, telling people to stay away from crime, be honest, and get better by believing in something and being good. Basically, it's a sad story about one person's regrets and a warning to anyone thinking about doing something wrong.