Jan. 19, 2013

The Letter That Never Comes

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by Troy Hendrix (author's profile)
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"The Letter That Never Comes"

"SQUEAK". The sound of the wheel on the mail cart. Most everyone sits up in their beds, peeping at their cell door, to see if mail is being passed out. But it's only an inmate with a mop bucket, mopping the floor. No one really wants to be seen looking at their cell doors at MAIL-TIME; that would acknowledge anticipation and trepidation.

"SQUEAK". There it is again! "MAN!!" Now it's a block worker with the laundry cart. The same thoughts run through your mind each day around this time, when COs are scheduled to come with mail. Is anyone out there thinking about me? Did anyone set aside 15 minutes of their time to let me know I'm in their thoughts? Does anyone out there even care I'm sitting here in this cage suffering all manner of inhumane indignities? Does anyone love me? Is someone going to remember me today?

"SQUEAK". There it is again! This time someone yells out those elusive words: "MAIL-CALL, MAIL CALL", and just like children on Christmas morning, we grown men race to our cell doors, full of anticipation and anxiety, hoping upon hope that the mailman would be gracious enough to give a letter to us today. But alas, I get passed by again. I walk to my sink, like that was where I was going, and think to myself, "MAN!!" Maybe tomorrow I will get something, but deep in my heart, I know the truth. I will feel the painful sting of disappointment today, tomorrow, next week, and next month, as I realize it's been another day in this living hell hole, that I've been waiting on "THE LETTER THAT NEVER COMES".

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Replies (5) Replies feed

Voice12 Posted 11 years, 9 months ago. ✓ Mailed 11 years, 9 months ago   Favorite
OK now I have to at least leave you a comment so that you will get something in the mail...hopefully others will, too :) Thank you for sharing this reflection as it helps me understand better what a prisoner's experience is like. We all need community so understand how hard it must be to feel cut off. Hang in there. -Voice12

Nicki Posted 11 years, 9 months ago. ✓ Mailed 11 years, 9 months ago   Favorite
Thank you for this post. It reminds me how very important it is to just acknowledge each other. To just say 'Hi'. Sometimes I look at someone who has looked at me as they pass by and I think to myself, I should have smiled, or said hello. Today, after reading your blog I will do just that. I will smile and say hello, and I will begin right here... Hello Troy :) I hope I can brighten the days of many, thanks to your little reminder. Take care! Nicki.

T121584 Posted 11 years, 9 months ago. ✓ Mailed 11 years, 9 months ago   Favorite
Hello Troy and Happy Dr. MLK, Jr Day. I was checkimg out your blog and I said I'll so some small part and at least write somethimg. I had a relative in prison for a few years and I didnt realize how important my letters and me accepting phone calls helped him through. Im not sure if you get letters from relatives or friends, but what Ive noticed from this blog is that when you post you thoughts on a particular subject, it can strike up ongoing conversations.

I also write you because based on your profile we share the exact same birth month, day, and year and my first name begins with a T lol. But I hope this brightens your day. I wish you the very best as you work for your release and to clear your name.

Keep your head, try to stay positive despite your circumstannces and I really do hope it gets better.

Tim

[removed] Posted 11 years, 4 months ago.   Favorite

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This comment was removed for violation of our community guidelines forbidding hate speech.


ToyToy Posted 8 years, 5 months ago. ✓ Mailed 8 years, 5 months ago   Favorite
Baby this post brought tears to my eyes. It's sad that society has deemed the incarcerated unworthy of love. Even more heartbreaking that your treated inhumane and locked away like animals. I Love you hubby and know that I think of you often. This paints a constant picture and reminder in my head.

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