I am currently sitting in a thirty-day overflow cell meant to be a form of punishment, but it has unexpectedly inspired me to stop doing the worthless drugs on this unit and make better use of the gifts of money my family sends me.  I mean, it really does feel great to feel what clean is again and to have commissary to eat as I please or to share.  My mind is flowing with rhymes and words and thoughts that I thought I were lost in the depths of the abyss.  Wow.

Thank you.  I haven’t written on any piece of paper in so long, except for a recent grievance.  I recently watched friends die from overdose and despair, and I thought I was being punished when I was placed in this dreaded cell, but no.  I was rescued, saved, now I can see again.  I can hear sounds, I can touch and taste like a newborn babe.  

I’m 47 now, and I will see 50.  I will see my freedom again.  My hope is restored.  I hope my words show others in this struggle that you don’t have to be put up somewhere to be tired of puttin’ up with the trash.  Save your money, start eating your food, call your people on the phone, or write them, and watch how high in spirit you feel.  Now, hit that!

ABOUT THE WRITER. Antoine Taylor has never submitted any work to WITS before, and what caught my attention about his writing was the sincerity and hope that I saw in his words. Although he did not share anything else about himself, I hope he continues to write on pieces of paper, whether he sends them to WITS or loved ones, or simply journals.

Antoine can be contacted at:
Antoine Taylor #1816700
Michael Unit
P.O. Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400