Looking out: A more loving world

A more loving world

By Brandon Astor Jones

"One word
Frees us of all the weight and pain of life:
That word is love." — Sophocles

Yes. Love frees us. A few days ago a postcard arrived for me. It was sent by a sister in Vermont, who has adopted me. What a huge demonstration of love, to have adopted a man who is on death row, in the USA or anywhere.

It seems appropriate that I share the words on that postcard with all of the wonderful people, all over the world, who read the words that I put in this space.

Before I do that, I feel obliged to let you know that 15 of these postcards can be obtained by sending US$1 or US$2 (if you live outside the US) to: LOVE, Bethlehem, South Dakota 57708. Be sure to use first class service. Bulk rates are available on request. Thank you, Diane. Thank you so much!

I love you

This card is sent to you as a part of a "Tell Someone You Love Them" campaign. It is meant to counteract some of the hatred in the world that is so often expressed in bitter words and acts of violence. Why should we deny others the love which they crave so deeply? Let us learn to give love generously, to express love honestly and to receive love graciously. The condition of the world may very well be the sum total of the love and hatred that exists in it. I am expressing my love for [all of] you to help change the balance to a more loving world.

[The writer is a prisoner on death row in the United States. He welcomes letters commenting on his columns (include your name and full return address on the envelope, or prison authorities may refuse to deliver it). He can be written to at: Brandon Astor Jones, EF-122216, G3-77, Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison, PO Box 3877, Jackson, GA 30233, USA.]

From GLW issue 344