S.H.U. - Segregated Housing Unit of a Prison, commonly referred to as the hole. A prison within a prison.

"Understanding"

Thoughts...racing through the mind as if in a marathon to the death. Ideas clashing with thought to overpower the other; as two grizzly bears would battle over a honeycomb, or choice berry plot. The mind once and again attack itself; bringing confusion of sorts. Running off on its own voyage, refusing to listen to a sound voice, exploring its own vastness.

The intelligence...one's best friend, yet one's worst enemy; never is it idle. It must always be on the move to one place or another, fleeing or returning, constantly on a mission that is only aware of. No warning whatsoever.

May the battle begin and end in a single breath. Take advantage of times of peace; for ...they never last very long. Sit and enjoy the sound of silence, once given the luxury of a noiseless surrounding. An environment free of corruption, free of madness. Unless...of course, the madness continuously lurks within the mind itself, therefore becoming, self-corruptor. Assailant and victim at once.

Are you a self-corruptor? Or, are you having assistance? More than likely, it's the second. In order to help ourselves, we must sit back and take a good look at the company we are associating with. For...we are a reflection of the company we keep. Ask yourself: are we headed in the same direction? When the oceans show their worst, will my companions abandon ship without a second thought? Can a price tag come between us? Or...perhaps the beauty of the opposite sex? There is no need to candy-coat the answers. The worst untruth, is the untruth that a person tells to himself. When standing in front of a mirror, we must be able to trust the individual staring back at us. Stare him directly in the eye and speak freely. If this cannot be accomplished, we must return to the drawing board and rethink our strategy in life. Understanding ourselves is priority over everything else. There is no need to victimize ourselves, or make life harder than it has to be.

Education, Logic, Reason, and Self-thought; with these tools, the walk through life can be a much more pleasant journey. If an action carries no logic or reason behind it, then the action is empty and basically worthless. Why waste time with useless movements? Self-thought, develop and expand; we all have our own opinions on every subject that life possesses. Do not hesitate to speak your mind when you are not in agreement with a topic or action, an opinion held back may end with regrets. Do not concern yourself with what other people might think about your opinion, criticism builds character.

Every experience can be one of learning. But...when it comes to mistakes, why not learn from other peoples negative experiences; instead of going through hard times that could have been avoided. Most actions are not worth the reaction that follows. Those who have spent a generous amount of time locked down understand this well, and realize that there are better ways to go about life. Keep in mind our community on the inside is well populated; we don't need you to join us, and to be honest, we don't want you to join us.

Stay focused on positive ideas, don't allow flashy falsified spotlights to distract your mind.

J.M., Pelican Bay Prison, California.

"Painting a Picture"

I was offered the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with you, in which I hope to possibly make a slight impact or difference in the way you're living your life.

I would like to offer some sincere and positive advice in order to open your eyes and minds; thus hoping to create an everlasting effect. I'm the living result of an individual who's actions ultimately caused a profound and irreversible consequence, forever changing this life and those of my family.

I am presently housed at Corcoran State Prison. My world is a place you don't want to ever see. The potential for violence is constantly lingering in the air; ready to erupt at any unsuspecting moment. It is relentless and shows no compassion to anyone. If you enjoy the prospect of violence, then this is for you. If you enjoy seeing people getting stabbed in the neck and face; or simply getting the living hell beaten out of them - then this is the place for you. There are no warnings to these occurrences. They can and will (spontaneously & unexpectedly) take place right next to where you are standing or walking. Not only could you get caught in the middle of the situation, but also in the officers' attempt at defusing the altercation, in which gun fire is possible.

Regardless of who you are or who you portray yourself to be - that won't exclude you from the possibility of finding yourself obligated to engage in a violent act in order to prevent you from being hurt. If you are weak, there are plenty of opportunists ready to prey upon you when allowed to do so. It's an evil world of unpredictability and immeasurable possibilities of danger.

To add to this world of hustling and uncertainty, you can also depend on having your life run by officials, each and everyday. They tell you when to take a shower - when you may use the phone - when it is time to eat - when it is time for you to receive recreational time - where you can walk and where you can't walk - how to dress - how you can wear your hair, and countless other things. So , if you like to be told when, where, and how to do the things you have the liberty of doing at will out there; then you'll like it here.

I can't escape this world, nor change my fate but you do have that precious "choice" to avoid this heartache. Take initiative and make things right for yourself. The straight way, is the only way. I assure you that your efforts of hard work and struggle won't go unanswered, they will definitely prove to be ever rewarding in the long run! I tell you this 'cause I'm living it now, and the punishing regret thrives in my heart. My effortless behavior in school and my lifestyle as a gang banger ultimately paid the price. We don't realize how badly our behavior and circumstances affect those who love us as well. It wasn't my intent to try to intimidate you or scare you with the things I described, I was merely painting a picture for you, which I did with all honesty and sincerity. So please do what is right and enjoy the precious gift of life - while you have it. Thank you for listening - Take care and Good luck!

 

Sincerely, Your Friend, C.S., Corcoran State Prison