Ellis One

To a man on death row, with whom I once corresponded

It's living, I guess.
Pretty much the same, each day.
The food tastes real bad.
The rooms are hot and smelly.
I spend a lot of time alone.
It's best to stay out of trouble.
Still, my friends and I are close.
We play basketball.
We watch the tube.
We laugh together.
We fight sometimes.
But, we stand together when it counts.
S**t, you won't believe this, but...
Sometimes we even pray together.

Like tonight...there were six of us.
It was a special occasion.
Nobody said much.
We just had to be with each other.

Bill couldn't be here.
I think, though, he knew we were together.
We wondered what he was thinking
...as he waited to die.

         ~

Reviews

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

One small correction:

"It's best to stay oout of trouble." should be "It's best to stay out of trouble."

Let me preface this review by stating that it's not meant to be negative in anyway.

Your voice in this poem, the way that the poem is written, has the stark coldness of those prison walls. Concrete blocks of hardness that hold no warmth whatsoever.

It's an emotionless, matter-of-fact reflection of the stark reality of prison.

The only glimmer of warmth is the men joined together in prayer.

[Dean]

I ought to employ you as my proofreader. Better still, do more of it myself. You've no idea how many times I used to excoriate others for misspellings. Despite my proclivities of late, which you have all too tellingly discovered. Thanks again, my dear. My attempt with the wording was to emulate the words they might use. I corresponded with one of them for several years.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Sorry. I'm an English Nazi some would say. I don't point them out as mockery, merely as help. If you'd rather I not, I'll be happy to oblige.

[Dean]

of course---and I WANT them. In one morning you have given me more than any other reader. It is always what I hope for! PLEASE do not be sorry, and please DO NOT STOP. Your help is more than appreciated--it is craved, dear one!!!

[Dean]

and even extend your remarks to all the other elements of poetry. I really need and covet it.

[Angi]

I can relate to this one, Dean. My father died in prison in 2002. The anniversary of his death is just a few days away. I question (to this day) what his last day was like. I wrote a small piece about the box of things the prison sent me after he died. It is called, 'The box under my bed.' I wonder what strange hand had me click on your name as it popped on my feed and then scroll through your pages to land me on this piece? Angi~

[Dean]

Yes, it is interesting that it happens that way. Me, too, often

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Powerful...a moving piece indeed. I've always wondered at the thoughts of those in confinement. I think this is raw, gritty, unconventional, and the flow is even a little stifled, but is works so darned well in this piece! I wouldn't change a thing. Well done, my friend!

[Dean]

Thanks, Sarah

[Stefon Napier]

This has a lot of experience behind it but I liked the way it sounded so simple. The matter of fact tone say a lot about what the speaker feels. First poem I read today and I really enjoyed it.

[Dean]

thank you

[Marie]

I can understand what Sami Khalil means about people always having to be together, but I understand your point too...I prefer being alone, but sometimes others are necessary.

[Dean]

thank you

[Sami Khalil]

A great look on what someone goes through and the fear and anxiety if they are on death row knowing it will be there last time on earth . You have shared with us a window of reality on what goes on in the prison system . One thing I can't fathom is that humans always have to be in packs like sheep or wolves of sort which is or could be the animalistic tendencies in us or our makeup...Thank you for sharing this....:)

[Dean]

thank you so much

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)