🔵 By Son Tran. Photo by lauragrafie.
The state of Texas operates one of America’s largest and most notorious penal institutions. Across the beautiful fields of bluebonnets, hidden in plain sight, lies hundreds of prison units erected like silent mausoleums. Prison is a dark and lonely place, designed not only to keep people in and out, but also to destroy people’s body, mind, and spirit. No matter what someone’s ethnicity, faith, or profession – as a prisoner, their identity will be erased. Prison breaks all who arrive. It’s just a matter of time before someone succumbs to this merciless reality.
This pessimist assessment of a prisoner’s life is not without warrant. After nearly three decades of imprisonment, I know how this place can physically destroy people and enslave their mind. However, in the maelstrom of turmoil, I remain optimistic – inspired even – by the prisoners who have thrived. By careful observation, I learned prisoners with ties to society – the free world – have the best chance to survive this dismal environment. Prisoners who stay connected to family and friends via letter writing are more likely to persevere while incarcerated. Ultimately, this observation compelled me to share how writing letters has impacted my life, to take a moment to thank everyone who has written me, and to implore you to write an inmate today. Your letter can help change a person’s life.