May 1, 2014

To Horde Or Not To Horde-- Is Not The Question

From The Novelist Portent by Johnny E. Mahaffey (author's profile)

Transcription

The Novelist Portent

JOHNNY MAHAFFEY SAYS:
"To Horde; or Not to Horde--is Not the Question."

4.20.14

The prison--most, if not all in S.C.--just went through an "Institutional Inventory," a time in which ALL cells were searched for excess property (i.e., extra sheets, pillow cases, blankets, shoes, etc.).

Prisoners have a way of accumulating lots of frivolous material: some even collect disposable cups & cardboard; some gather up as many uniforms as they can, keeping them underneath their cell's little plastic mat to press creases in them as if ironed--wearing them during visitation (I'm guilty of that), but some pull them out in the notion of wearing them in the presence of certain female guards, to impress (Though the result is quite the opposite since all they end up doing is marking themselves as a conformed gang-member with little square folds, or just some narcissistic nincompoop.)

The inventory was anything but mistimed--warning was given of its coming, and even two amnesty days were offered allowing prisoners a chance to discard extra, and contraband items. Dozens of dumpsters were filled; so kudos to SCDC. The multitudinous items would've constituted the filming of a TV show: "Hoarders, Behind Bars." A comedy obviously. All my items were, as usual, in compliance; I had nothing but an extra sheet and pillowcase taken--the pillowcase played dust-cover for my typewriter. :( All in all, it wasn't bad--'least not like all those little societal Schadenfreudes out there would've liked. It's just that the anticipation of such a day is a little stressful; so it's good when it's finally over.

I can get my typewriter out, and get back to work.

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Nicki Posted 10 years, 6 months ago. ✓ Mailed 10 years, 6 months ago   Favorite
I LOVE watching Hoarders! It fascinates me & I would definitely watch the prison version. Thank you for another poetic glimpse into your world.

Take care.
Nicki

Johnny E. Mahaffey Posted 10 years, 5 months ago.   Favorite
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