Adjusting to prison is no easy feat. I liken it to being put on an airplane, blindfolded, taken to a remote location somewhere on this vast earth, and dropped off in a foreign land with no resources. You are left with nothing but your own wits and inherent ability to...
The Agony of a Visit
No doubt, perhaps the highlight of any inmate's day, week, or month is when his/her name is called for a visit. This is the time (in most prisons, I believe) when inmates are able to finally have the much needed physical contact with the people who mean the most to...
Rick’s Review of Martin Lockett’s Palpable Irony
We introduced you to our friend Martin Lockett in a previous blog post. We are thrilled to say that Martin will be a regular contributor both here and in our quarterly newsletter. Do yourself a favor and get this book! —♦— Good people make mistakes. Martin Lockett is...
Poetry From Prison: I Loved You From… the Start
Submitted by C.F. Guyton, pictured below with his wife. I loved you from Day One And on Day Two I made it my mission To be wed to you. As far as Day Three goes It was signed, sealed and delivered By angels in the Heavens. And at Day Four, we'd love from Ceiling to...
Letters From Prison: Be On Purpose
Our friend Shawn is serving his 21st year in a Texas prison for a crime he did not commit. Shawn is one of my personal adoptees, and writes to me often. We also speak on the phone a few times a month. His letters, like the one below, always begin with several...
My Rock Bottom
It was a frigid Tuesday morning in January when the van I rode in pulled up to the prison in eastern Oregon. From a distance it resembled more of an insane asylum than a prison, with its dingy-colored concrete exterior and brick-colored metal rooftop. Intimidating,...
Poetry From Prison: My Momma
Poetry submitted by C.F. Guyton, pictured here with his wife. My Momma My Momma, puts the "El" in "El Shabazz," The love in laughter and the joy in these lonely days of future's past. My Momma; the Hiroshima of Hell's Kitchen. Succulent entrees of deliciousness are...
Hard Work-Work: Legalized Prison Slave Labor
Today's blog post comes from Shawn Ali Bahrami, who is serving his 20th year in a Texas state prison (since he was 17 years old). Shawn has always proclaimed his innocence, and you can read his story here.) Shawn agreed to write a post for us about the harsh working...
‘To Sleep, Perchance to Dream’ by Philip Brasfield
If you want a good night's sleep in Texas, don't look for it in prison. Finding respite from the constant noise and bright lights in cell blocks and dormitories is increasingly difficult in general population. In special housing areas (Administrative Segregation), it...
Review of Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
What's Mercy, Anyway? Reading a book about the work of someone who has dedicated his life to freeing the innocent is inspiring. When you’re reading that book behind bars, it also evokes melancholy and wishful thinking. No matter where you are when you crack the cover...