Prison Journalism: My fears’ journey in an correctional centre
Warning: The content contained within this article features imagery which readers may find disturbing
A poem identifying what my emotions like sadness turned into oxygen, and my fears changed, evolved the way I took in life.
My fears’ journey in prison
The day I was given a long sentence of four years
was the day I entered the realm of overwhelming fear,
after the sadness becomes as exemptible as oxygen.
Sad, old music is what I heard as I entered a room full of old inmates.
How am I to get through all this year’s I have been sentenced,
and will the fear overwhelm me,
or should I give in and become part of number gang and just choose a gate?
I’m approached by men who now want to know who I am!!
“With witch number gang do I affiliate?
7, 8, 6, and if none?
Then we label you a brother, maybe French man?”
“I don’t know what I am,” I replied,
and they placed me by a bed.
“This is where you are to sleep.”
That was section of the 28,
not saying anything about that being my gate.
And at that time, a friend’s voice I did hear—
Coach, teacher Jonno was here.
Coach helped me to get to grips
that as for now, an inmate I am to be.
Except all the sadness and fears was what showed me!!
Inmates and wardens are both doing time behind bars—
take a look and truly see!!
Even though inmates live in overcrowded space
and things changed daily, sometimes no exercise, time to breathe,
All because someone got stabbed
and now lying in the infirmary.
Wardens stressing about whom of them could be next—
they still want to see their own families!!
Overcrowded space, yet I must still keep my head.
What should I do is my greatest priority.
Programs like restorative of justice assisted me,
getting myself busy with sport, playing rugby and soccer,
Coach making fun of me.
Jonno showing me how to embrace my sadness and my fears,
learning from everyone and applying only that what is logic
he said would keep alive through my sentenced year’s.
And every night lying in bed,
it was the memory of loved ones outside that brought those tears.
Yet it was the tears of my loved ones
that gave me strength to hold on to my higher power.
God spoke to me through my fellow inmates and even wardens,
and great full all those years He carried me through.
Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE
This project in collaboration with RESTORE currently works with formerly incarcerated young men in the communities.
If you have any questions you would like to ask our prison journalists, WhatsApp us on 060 011 0211.
Do you have contact with a prison inmate who would like to write for The South African website? If so, send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook to get the latest prison journalism articles.
