By its very nature, prison can oftentimes be a very unsettled environment with many abrupt and unexpected changes...
While there are degrees of predictability and routine, there can be sudden disruptions as well.
For instance, right now I am undergoing yet another sudden change. A man whom I had made friends with, and who lived in the cell block next door, was just transferred. He and I would walk together in the outside recreation yard. But once again, there was no chance to say goodbye. I looked for Luis; he was gone.
Luis was a decent guy who could talk your ears off. He could be very comical too. A Latino from the South Bronx, Luis had a stream of never-ending stories. He would often share his concerns for his wife and children, as well. Already locked-up for eighteen years, Luis has about six years remaining on his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. He's also one of the few who's managed to keep his marriage together.
In prison, one learns to endure all kinds of situations. Only last month, a couple of new friends were transferred. They were snatched away in an instant, bags quickly getting packed. Gone! I'm still sad about it.
And now another is leaving. It's painful. Yes, those like myself must learn to suffer quietly. "Here today, gone tomorrow."
D.B.
For instance, right now I am undergoing yet another sudden change. A man whom I had made friends with, and who lived in the cell block next door, was just transferred. He and I would walk together in the outside recreation yard. But once again, there was no chance to say goodbye. I looked for Luis; he was gone.
Luis was a decent guy who could talk your ears off. He could be very comical too. A Latino from the South Bronx, Luis had a stream of never-ending stories. He would often share his concerns for his wife and children, as well. Already locked-up for eighteen years, Luis has about six years remaining on his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. He's also one of the few who's managed to keep his marriage together.
In prison, one learns to endure all kinds of situations. Only last month, a couple of new friends were transferred. They were snatched away in an instant, bags quickly getting packed. Gone! I'm still sad about it.
And now another is leaving. It's painful. Yes, those like myself must learn to suffer quietly. "Here today, gone tomorrow."
D.B.
