Rock Bottom
Hard to believe July is over, The year over halfway gone. Seven months marked by Sharpie, Upon the cinder-block wall, drawn. Surroundings noisy and dusty, The…
Sometimes Sorry Ain't Enough
“I’m sorry, momma,” I managed. “You’ve said that.” She lowered herself onto the plastic seat opposite me. It creaked under her girth; but momma’s weight’s got…
The noise of life
The wallet he took from his left pocket was thick, the leather worn from age and abuse. It’s only a shade lighter than his skin. From it, he removes several…
Do I get to go home tonight?
As the ADA rattled off the 6 different felonies, I stood there quietly. The judge was an older man, his skin and hair showed the classic signs of a WASP aging…
Rise and Shine
I had worked late the night before on a project, finally getting to bed around 2:30am. At 6:30 the banging and shouting on my apartment started. I was startled…
Under Arrest
As I sat in the small red chair in the corner of my bedroom, nearly in tears, he uttered the unthinkable. “Yes, you’re now in our custody” Detective Darton…
The Next Step
My name was included in the last group called upstairs for the night. As I stepped from the jail cell for the first time in hours, I lined up with 4 other men…
Try Again Tomorrow
“Juarez”. The CO called out for a second time. “It’s time for court Juarez, come on or you’re staying the night” Juarez didn’t move, he was sleeping on the…
They Call It Pedigree
When she called my name, her podium pressed against the steel bars, I wasn’t sure what to do. She repeated it loudly. “Are you here? Come to the front.” she…
The Dinner Bell
A commotion started in the cells as the CO rang the dinner bell. The cells across the aisle were served first. The dinner menu was a choice of cheese or peanut…
Getting to know the neighbors
The argument over my crime continued for a few minutes until the largest of the men finally ended it by turning to me. “You in for a misdemeanor? “Felonies”, I…
As the time Passed
About 20 men of different ages and races sit in a 10x15 foot concrete room, one wall is solid steel bars. Steel benches circle the walls. “What are you in…
First Time Jail
It wasn’t the smell, it was the fear that really got to me. The fear of the unknown. As I walked down the long basement corridor with the cops, I couldn’t…
Pain and Pain
Though it was a short run my body felt battle worn. My emotions hurt so that I sent my head back into the brick wall giving me physical pain to match. I sat…
Behind bars
“Well, well well, I didn’t believe it when I heard it, but seeing this for myself, it’s about time you are behind bars.” Paul turned around, saw Marty’s ugly…
Gallows Pole - Part 2
The small crowd gathered to see the execution. They were planning on seeing this even though a storm was just about upon them. Women in fancy dresses held…
Gallows Pole
The silent rumbling of thunder and the loud crack of lightning woke the prisoner from his slumber. It was dawn and today was the day of his execution. He sat…
Plans on Paper
“But how do you know that. This isn’t a world where plans work like they do on paper Hannah,” my anger was starting to get a hold of me, yet her voice remained…
It All Comes Out Behind Bars
When she came to she was not surprised to find herself behind bars. Straw was sitting by his desk, watching her. Bella pushed herself up into a sitting…
Secret Door
These concrete walls are bittersweet A definite curse, yet such a treat The people inside are so much more Outsiders seem like such a bore They can’t keep us…