A Simple Appeal

Hello, world. I've been having a minor writer's block lately, or more so an everything block. Not much has changed in regards to my habitat. My neighbor and friendly acquaintance, The Sicilian, has moved from the upper tier (where I reside) to the bottom floor. This is unfortunate since we now have to scream to communicate, but good for him considering he got a radio out of the deal. Other than that my shorts are still orange, my windows are still bulletproof and my butlers are still on time to interrupt my imaginary adventures displayed on the underside of my eyelids.

I find my days mostly exciting, but still at times stressful and frustrating. The excitement is a product of my nascent interest in everything. It derives and is fed through the literature I read, the news I follow and the correspondence I keep with many interesting and special people. I have four cousins (mother, father and two sons) who recently moved to the island of Jakarta in Indonesia. The father keeps a blog and I exchange emails with his wife and get interesting updates about what life is like in such a different place. I have an uncle who lives a few miles from the penitentiary. He is probably my favorite pen pal simply due to the rich substance of our conversations. We talk politics, philosophy, news and every now and then just how each of our lives are going.

He has something around forty years seniority on me along with a trough of intellectual experience and wisdom that I am very fortunate to be welcomed to inquire on. I state my opinions based off a half-forgotten elementary education and my current stint with auto-didactism and usually get put in check on most subjects, but that is a piece of what makes our relationship so meaningful. These are just two examples of a large and supportive family who have truly been wonderfully unconditional in their love. I also have two dedicated and interesting parents as well as a lovely, mischievous and clever little sister. I have many cousins, aunts and uncles who even amidst this epic of a decade find the time to drop me a line and say, "I love you" every now and then.

My excitement and blessings truly outweigh my frustrations, so much so I almost forgot to elaborate on the latter. Well, I'd say the source of my discontent pretty much boils down to conflicting actions opposed to my aspirations - meaning the procrastination that so often cripples the potential extent of my perseverance. Simply: I'm enjoying my learning, but waste time thinking about wanting to learn more and the possibility that I'm not learning enough. Can you relate? I could also use some suggestions on how to read critically and effectively and techniques on expanding my vocabulary. I'd appreciate even the slightest suggestion.

Until next time, take care - don't be square.

Note from the "scribe." Should you have suggestions (i.e. websites, resources, etc.) to pass along to Sway, please feel free to leave comments here and/or send an email to sometimesthesewallstalk@gmail.com. I'll be sure he gets it!

About Me

"No matter how high the gates or charged with punishment the scroll. I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul." --William Ernest Henley

I am 21 years old and living in a State Penitentiary. Despite my present circumstances, I have many passions and dreams that don't have anything to do with the criminal life. We've all made mistakes on our journey, some mistakes carry greater consequences than others. Some mistakes get people thrown in jail - some times for a few hours or days, some times for a lifetime. I'm blessed to have landed somewhere in between. I have plenty of time to further educate myself, build a stronger relationship with my family, and work hard on my character so I can be successful in whatever I decide to pursue upon my return to society.

I am starting this blog to share with you, whoever you may be, some things about life inside this place. To share with you some things that cross my mind from day to day; and to share with you some of my ideas and reflections. And I hope, at some point, we can relate to each other, you and I, and hopefully learn something from each other as well.

If you decide to email me or leave a message on my blog page, I will respond as soon as I can. I do not have computer access in prison. Everything I blog is written on paper and sent to a good friend of mine who then enters it onto this site.

I hope all is well.