Fathers; imprisoned, but not lost
Today, Father’s Day, my thoughts have sorrow. I shall of course phone my daughter Francesca. Her brother, Raymond, who we lost to tragedy a few years back… his memory is with me ever so strong today. Why not?? For it is human. No matter how strong one can be, it is ok to have feelings. I have them… even if they just bounce off the walls I exsist within, I do have them.
As I walked the prison yard today, I noticed a group of men that had gathered with “prepared” treats they had purchased at the prison store. I observed for a few minutes realizing that they were “dads”, gathered to celebrate “Father’s Day”. I asked if it was ok to speak a few words to the group. Naturally, they obliged.
I talked to them of the singular appearance of us all. For we all have the appearance of being just prisoners. To the staff, lawmakers, and to many of those in the “free world”, we are viewed as just and only that. I have been viewed like this for almost a quarter of a century.
As I spoke, I was looking about 20-30 feet above their heads; I explained why… I stated that I have been looking up towards the sky for many a year, because, when my eyes are leveled, my eyes only see a compound of caged lives. One must find a way to leave the cage, even if it’s just by looking up !!
Happy Fathers’s Day…
July 11th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. I can’t be the first one to wonder if your family is being revenged on by someone from the previous life. That’s a lot of tragedy — same as my own life. I KNOW that someone is taking my family out. This can’t be lost on you. I have your book, you know. I met John at either Camp Democracy in Washington DC or at World Can’t Wait in Tampa FL. I’ve tried to read it a # of times. It’s a good book, I’m just not good at finishing books anymore. If you don’t get out of prison look for this same influence on your case as is effecting your family. I’m sorry to be the one to say this. I’m trying hard to reveal my own. People are murdered in FL and can’t even get the ‘system’ to admit it. Take care of yourself. I am reading the article pertaining to you in Creative Loafing and until I got to the title of your book I had no idea it was the author …. I signed the form and sent it long back. John is correct, it is very difficult to get people to participate. The country is in such turmoil leaving people with so much to deal with. Well — i’m sure reading my words won’t thrill you but they are the truth as I see it. Much luck to you.