Writer's Community: Expressions

Remembering when I was first captured by the reality of solitary as a young juvenile back in 1995. The nightmares, the diabolical thoughts I obtained, the consciousness that came about, and the understanding or belief that there's a higher power far above human comprehension.

I was given a scripture out of the Bible to read from my beloved grandmother, Ms. Georgianna Pinner. It was scripture that gave me awareness of the importance of love and growth we are to manifest in life. 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13. I believe everybody should read that scripture, no matter what your religious beliefs are. I've never been the religious type, but I believe in and give praise to our incomprehensible God, not allowing religion to stagnate me in my quest for knowledge on all levels and out of all the holy books.

Nevertheless, lessons learned. Life as I know it was manifested out of reflections of what I came from and how adversity has given me strength, forced me to educate myself, made me appreciate life. Never shall I be seen as the same youngster I was when first coming into this life of solitude I live within here today.

Which is said how our society gives up on the youth. Don't even truly seek helping the troubled youth build an industrious mind, making way for disciplinary programming to be established, which can produce an honorable man in the future. Instead it's about locking us all away in institutions that don't impose rehabilitative programming, which means if the juvenile doesn't somehow find means to educate himself, he remains in a dead state of mind.

How is it possible to say a juvenile can't be given the death penalty but he has given life without parole? The death penalty is saying one shall die on a set date, and life without parole is saying one shall die in prison without a set date. Both are basically the same, point being one is to die in prison. A 14~15-year-old kid, it doesn't make sense and speaks volumes about society.

A question to the world: Do you believe that the proper education and rehabilitative programs established in these prisons for juveniles could produce a respectable, better man 10 to 15 years down the line with such treatment? Something to think about!

I am one who has entered these institutions at 15, and I conclude with a poem I wrote for this Mother's Day: Ms. Africa.

Sincerely,
Mr. Michael D. Pinner