My first introduction to a loved one in prison came when my uncle was locked up at Parchman, here in Mississippi. I began writing him when I was 10 and faithfully wrote him until his release, some 12 years later. My Uncle Horace was a wonderful writer and those talents came through when he was in prison - it was his way of maintaining sanity. He was murdered last year - ironically on the day that I was married. His killer will be going on trial soon and I will let you know how it turns out.

One of my aunts, Uncle Horace's baby sister, died last week and my uncle's daughter came up for the funeral. She had a 3 ring binder full of his writings she wanted me to have. They were all written while he was at Parchman and it's a treasure of works where the hope, pain, and despair of being in prison come through. It's really special to me and brings on new meaning, now that my husband is also in prison.

I want to share some of his writings with all of you all. Here's the first one:

"The Convict"
As he stands looking across that delta land
sweat on his face, a hoe in his hand
He utters a curse for the hot blazing sun
and longs for a chance at freedom to run
Up one row and back again
it seems the day will never end
He keeps thinking that freedom is soon
but it's the same thing, next day at noon.
He wonders and wonders how long can this last
and prays thanks to God when another day has passed.
He becomes less and less caring of selfworth
and begins to hate the day of his birth.
But he continues to work in the hot delta sun
and remains the convict know as #53858 - no one.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING DANIELLE- I LOOK FORWARD TO READING MORE OF HIS WRITINGS-HE IS INDEED VERY TALENTED

Yes, I would like to read more also. This was very good.

That was great Danielle..I'm sure those writings must be a treasure to you!
Thanks so much for sharing!

danielle, how neat that you have these writings!!! i'm sure they are a real treasure. i, too, would love to read more!

THANKS for sharing this, these writings must be a real treasure indeed!

DANNIELLE:

YOU NEED TO GET HIS WRITINGS PUBLISHED.... THESE ARE GREAT AND BEING PUT INTO A BOOK WOULD TOUCH THE WORLD....

IS YOUR UNCLE STILL ALIVE? LET HIM KNOW HOW MUCH WE LIKE HIS STUFF...

DONNA

I am working on typing them up...one of many projects. My Uncle was murdered last year - his killer's trial is soon.

"You're Grown Up Now"

My daughter, you've grown up now.
It's been rough on me since I've been away.
Don't think I've forgotten you my little girl,
because you mean more to me than anything in this world.
I'm sorry that I haven't been the father that I should have been
and I'm sad you know I'm in the State Pen.
You've grown up so fast
and every time I look at your picture
it reminds me of the past
The things I taught you and the things I gave you
was nothing compared to the love you gave me in return.
But one day I'll surprise you, and come back,
and make up for all the years I was off track.
I can not be there with you now, and it's a shame.
You're all grown up now, and the only part of me that's with you is my name.

sorry to hear your uncle got murdered! but his writings will make him last forever. we have this dutch saying 'wie schrijft, die blijft', means something like: he who writes, will last forever'

his writings bring tears in my eyes

DANIELLE:

i KNOW THIS IS VERY HARD FOR YOU AND THE TRIAL WILL BE HARD TOO. KEEP YOUR FAITH.... YOUR UNCLE WAS A GREAT MAN. THIS IS VERY EVIDENT IN HIS WRITINGS.... HE HAD A KIND AND GENTLE HEART.

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU...

DONNA