Tuesday, \u00a0January 2, \u00a0a postscript for yesterday\u2019s post<\/p>\n
Readers often write comments on our posts, \u00a0frequently brief, as in \u201cthanks for today\u2019s poem; \u00a0I really needed that.\u201d \u00a0 But now and then someone writes at greater length and stops me in my tracks. \u00a0 Here is one commenting on yesterday\u2019s post<\/p>\n
Monday,\u00a0 January 1\u00a0 –\u00a0 “Changing Ways’\u00a0 by V.B. written in prison<\/a><\/p>\n A reader and friend wrote this postscript yesterday evening. \u00a0You might find that reading these 3 short paragraphs is like reading another poem.<\/p>\n have a blest day.<\/p>\n john sj<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “This poem is wonderful, John.\u00a0 It calls to mind conversations I had with two of the men I know in a maximum security state prison just before Christmas.\u00a0 Both were about their changes, and their futures.<\/p>\n Will is on call much of the time to work with other inmates who are mentally ill…some of whom connect only with him.\u00a0 He has, over years, achieved enough professional certifications that he is qualified to continue this kind of work when he is paroled (perhaps within the year).\u00a0 As he says, none of the certifications are from the Department of Corrections, so they are truly respected on the outside.\u00a0 This man came to prison as a wise guy, smart ass, but he has discovered a remarkable capacity for compassion.<\/p>\n Steve is a Marine veteran, drug addict who violated parole at least once and attempted suicide three times…in prison I don’t know how many years, being paroled in the spring.\u00a0 His wife, who doesn’t visit but wants the old Steve back, does not know him as he is now so he is going to live with his daughter (who does know him).\u00a0 Don\u2019t know if the marriage will survive but Steve will walk his own path with tremendous faith in God’s grace.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tuesday, \u00a0January 2, \u00a0a postscript for yesterday\u2019s post Readers often write comments on our posts, \u00a0frequently brief, as in \u201cthanks for today\u2019s poem; \u00a0I really needed that.\u201d \u00a0 But now and then someone writes at greater length and stops me … Continue reading