Prison Journalism: Who defines us? Lessons in identity and redemption
I’ve learnt that prison is a place that is non-discriminating, as it has people from all walks of life. If it’s your first time serving a long sentence, then it’s in this order that the lessons will come to be in its poetic flow.
It’s the self-control and understanding of one’s actions under duress that will direct my mind space in an overpopulated environment, with individuals who all have different intentions. These intentions will have a great impact on the person I’m to become, as I’ve made a choice!
The number gang
I was, at first, pulled by thoughts of joining one of the three camps. Outside, they call it the number gangs, while inside, it’s called the number margination—all for the wrongful reasons, though.
It was as if doing so would make things easier, but my final decision was to take this time to firstly come to an understanding of who I really am, while undergoing the adversities of this sentence of incarceration.
As I’m embarking, I start learning that Twenty-Six, Twenty-Seven, and Twenty-Eight have this language of poetic flow that actually teaches one how to dissect the flow of everything—when interacting with each other as inmates, and even outside in free life, though.
As my eyes are opened, there is a form of schooling I see, as if there’s a type of science to all of this.
For example, when approached by someone, we immediately learn to place the person under a microscope, analysing the reason behind their tone and physical presentation.
Then, we choose how to interact without giving away self-respect, engaging sociologically to come to conclusions about the encounter.
Reading the environment is a constant, while navigating the sentence is vital, as it is easy for us to lose our way.
It’s the interaction with organisations from outside—like restorative justice and spiritual groups—that keeps me, and I believe others, from letting our mindset drift too far, so we don’t lose ourselves or become programmed into believing that imprisonment defines who we are.
The darkness of adversity may be physical, the place I might be, yet I am embracing that all my mistakes of the past I accept. I apologise for whatever sorrow I may have caused; I regret it deeply and apologise endlessly.
As I’m embarking on the path of being anew—an ex-inmate—I hope that, when reading this poem, with poetic eyes, dear readers, you do find the part.
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.
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