Prison and Time
A formerly incarcerated writer reflects on the contrasting influences of prison and time during his incarceration. He argues that while prison is designed to break individuals, time can be a friend that fosters personal growth and change. Through time, he achieved his G.E.D., strengthened his relationship with his mother, and discovered his passion for writing.
- ▪The writer believes that prison does not promote change and instead aims to keep individuals trapped in a cycle of despair.
- ▪He credits time with helping him achieve his G.E.D. and develop a deeper appreciation for his mother.
- ▪Time allowed him to reflect on his life, feel remorse for his past actions, and aspire to help others avoid similar paths.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
new video loaded: Prison and TimetranscriptBacktranscriptPrison and TimeA formerly incarcerated writer reflects on how the prison system didn’t foster change, but befriending time did.[MUSIC PLAYING] [TICKING] A friend of mine who was formerly incarcerated expressed in a written piece that prison was the best thing to ever happen to him. Now, obviously, this is his own personal opinion and feelings. But his opinion made me think of my own incarceration. His words in the piece made me think: Was prison the best thing that ever happened to me? And I would have to say, emphatically, no. To me, this prison. And then there’s time. Prison is a dark, cold and unforgiving place, controlled by powers that want to break you mentally, spiritually and physically.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at NYT — Opinion.
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