letters from prison

the thing about having a friend in prison is that sometimes you get these lovely thick letters full of gossip and tidbits and weirdness, the product of someone with more time on their hands to write than most people do – and then other times it is a single sheet of misery sent with a 49-cent stamp.

that misery is not usually borne out of anything more particular than the daily grind of prison, a friend who has been sprung free, a small privilege denied. sometimes you find yourself a bitter reminder of life on the outside, not to be trusted, or someone who just doesn’t understand.

tonight i got the latter type of letter – one sheet, weeks after the last letter and the last promise to call – an apology for not being able to remain open in heart, and a tear.

i have learned these long years of friends and family in jails across this country, not to worry – worrying does no good – but to hold their image of life outside firmly fixed – unwavering in this at least.