Looking out: A listen mission

A listen mission

"Were we not so eager to look upon prisoners through such a vengeful prism, it would be easier to see the abundance of remorse in prison." — Irving Elmer Bell

So then, I wish to speak for those of us who have changed

Remorse for our past deeds compels us to repent, and atone

Daily, in search of ourselves, throughout loveless concrete corridors we roam

Now, pliant minds and hearts filled with hope and rehabilitation, no longer deranged

To peers and occasionally pious colleagues, on befriending us you might suggest

That they embrace us while we warehouse and stagnate in these hell-holes

Just being forced to endure them is a story too mean and painful to be told

Let your friendship and compassion help lift us as we pay, so dearly, these debts

Yes, many reverently wagging tongues speak of "salvaging lost spirits",

But instead of reaching into our hurting sisters and brothers, in outcasts' pleas, you find disgust

And when immured souls cry out for the need to understand and grow beyond our lust(s)

The vastness of that sound notwithstanding, most of you seem unable to hear it

People, it is time to listen:

We are also what you are, too,

Through and through;

Make us your forgiving mission.

[The writer is a prisoner on death row in the United States. He is happy to answer letters commenting on his columns. He can be written to at: Brandon Astor Jones, EF-122216, G2-51, Jackson State Prison, PO Box 3877, Jackson, GA 30233-7800, USA. Australians Against Executions is raising funds to pay for a lawyer for Brandon's resentencing trial. So far $7000 has been raised. If you can help, please make cheques payable to the Brandon Astor Jones Defence Account and post to 10 Palara Place, Dee Why NSW 2099. Donations to the Brandon Astor Jones Defence Account may also be made at any Commonwealth Bank, account No. 2127 1003 7638.]

From GLW issue 243