Prison can be a healing balm

Dear Diary,

My name is J.G. I have developed an admiration for your Diary of an Inmate column in the WEEKLY STAR. I am writing to you to possibly be selected to share what is on my mind as it relates to my current state of captivity.

I have been warehoused in the belly of the beast for almost 10 years now. Due to fictitious movies and spurious television shows about prison, we have developed a not-so-accurate portrait of prison life and the men and women who languish behind enemy lines.

Most civilians view prisoners like lepers, outcast like Cain, banished for unrepentant and errant conduct - not worthy of being viewed as part and parcel of humanity. I do not attempt to justify my past behaviour that led me to this dreaded locale, but as Brother Malcolm X, stated, "Don't judge me when I enter the prison, judge me when I exit the prison."

I have taken every measure to truly rehabilitate myself through self-examination, self-analysis and self-correction. I've taken college classes. I am a certified 200 -plus yoga instructor, something that I am especially proud of, since I acquired the skill behind bars. I am certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. I am a model inmate who studies classical African history and books on many subjects. I am a poet, father, son, brother and friend. I am a student of life in the universe(ity) of life. I am extraordinarily athletic, kind and mentally acute.

Golden opportunity

Prison, for me, is an uncanny opportunity bestowed by Jah to correct my errant ways and a process to undergo and remove the stubbornness from my heart so that I can perfectly serve him and facilitate the liberation of my people from the strains and terror of Babylon/Baby-London/America.

I am no saint, but every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. If the Apostle Paul can be redeemed and used for good after being a serial killer of early Christians, certainly Jah can change this sinner into his dearly beloved, and use me as an example of how captivity can facilitate change in men and women in these dungeons through these United Snakes of AmeriKKKa.

I am using this time wisely in order to build the 'temple of perfected man'. Every moment spent here serves as an exfoliant to remove the dross from my soul and purpose. Thank you, readers of the WEEKLY STAR.