You're onto it Adam. The impulse to connect with and acknowledge those who have gone deep deep deep into shadow realm is a healing act for all involved, and a real step toward a larger healing.
Also
I used to have my mailbox store guy Jason write out my envelopes 'cause my handwriting is so bad. I commented on how good his was. He scoffed and said "Have you ever seen the handwriting of inmates?" I loved the line and thought it was a great title for a short story collection, but now seeing Damien's letters I realize it is not just a great line/title, but true.
Thanks, Tommy. The Dostoevsky quote has always haunted me. Prisons as a barometer of the health of a people and culture. We need "a larger healing" as you put it. There are a thousand areas, of course, where light needs to shine. This one in the shadow realm needs light.
Tiny note on something that is confusing in my post, and I want to clean up. The letter I photographed is from an earlier correspondent (David) that simply disappeared in communication. He might have been transferred or he might have been released. Let's hope. Damien is a brand new pen pal. I haven't heard back from him yet, although I've been given a few scant details.
Thanks again for your comment here and for "getting it."
Nov 1, 2023·edited Nov 2, 2023Liked by Adam Nathan
My god, Adam - this is heartbreaking and eye opening both, I'm almost in tears. Thank you for shining a light on this - 100% agree NOBODY no matter how heinous their crimes or how base their conscience deserves to be tortured in this or any other way. The corporate-speak of the architects of this atrocity (and it is) is just galling. I really admire your effort to give hope, and to posting about this.💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛
If you would please, write to Damien: "I hope for an end to your suffering, that you feel a connection to the world, that you know peace. - Troy"
Wow, that is a powerful essay. I keep thinking of Robben Island and Nelson Mandela. While many lose their minds, some find depths of soul that most of us never access. Not that solitary is ever justified.
Per your other note. I think the policy you cite on solitary is exactly right. I think it is the international policy from some major organization. It's too early to research. The point is to separate not inflict psychological punishment. That these de facto sentences are completely extrajudicial is another crime.
I agree that some men find a depth of soul there. If you're interested for a great account read Solitary by Albert Woodfox. He was in solitary the Louisiana state penitentiary system for a few decades before having his sentence overturned.
Beautiful and thought provoking. While reading your post, I found myself asking, "What have we become if we throw away a person's right to redemption?"
I just read the William Blake essay that Solitary Watch have on their site, as well as some of the comments below it, and I’m equally disturbed by both--it’s like looking into the very maw of human cruelty. ‘Barbaric’ would be my word. But I think I’d prefer to email you something to include for Damien.
I read that essay ages ago and it has the DNA of the entire problem within it. It may be because it is early in the morning here, but I couldn't read to the end of it. I think I might have a mild claustrophobia (not "go see a doctor" but definitely can't open my eyes in an MRI). This may be driving the particular intensity of my terror around solitary confinement. I don't think I would last a year, certainly not thirty-plus like Blake. That is unfathomable to me -- as is the use of hope as a tool.
It is barbaric. Other than see the ones I love tortured, no other punishments come to mind that I wouldn't pick first.
Thanks for your note here. I look forward to sharing your note, even a brief one will be appreciated I'm sure.
Thank you for sharing, Adam. I wasn't aware of this program, but it's an important thing to be doing. I'm sure every letter is cherished and brings some form of hope and light.
You're welcome, Nathan. Solitary Watch has made something incredible possible through this program, but through so many others. I believe the letters are cherished and do bring hope and light. Even distraction in those conditions is a powerful thing.
Wow, I did an interview on a program pairing people in custody with a program growing sage to save a dwindling ecosystem, and Troy pointed me to this piece. I'm so glad he did. Thank you for sharing this practice, Adam. Thank you for shedding light where there is little. To your pen pal, I say may you feel the connection between us all. May you know you are thought of and your heart held.
Unbearable. I just read William's testimony, his strength is quite amazing in the face of such systemic cruelty. What a poignant post, Adam, and a beautiful invitation to reach out against all dehumanising.
Thank you, Mya for the kind words. That is quite the testimony. That someone could come out of solitary confinement after so much time and then write about it so powerfully is difficult to comprehend. 🙏
It makes me wonder what politician is angling to make us believe the death penalty would be kinder. No society can afford to have Disappeared people, the taint of that acts like shit in a glass of wine.
It is deeply troubling at how we as a country deal with punishment. Too often it seems people leave confinement worse off that they entered. And the demographics are a reflection of holes in our society. We can and must do better. I will sign up to try and inject a bit of humanity and have shared with a Facebook group of friends. Thanks for lighting the path.
Scott, ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏. Everything above is true. The demographics, leaving worse than you came in. We hide it from ourselves. Do let me know if there is anything that I can do to support your connection to the organization. Reach out to marlies@solitarywatch.org. She's lovely and can get you set up with a pen pal. Their information on what is expected and how to be successful with the program is fantastic. Do let me know if you proceed. It would mean a lot to me (and knowing someone else out there that is participating is powerful, too.)
Thanks so much for sharing the Lifelines to Solitary resource. During Covid I was trying to do the same but the options I found online were for male convicts/male pen pals only. So hoping Lifelines is for all!
Sabrina, thanks for this note, and I hope you can find a way to participate. I don't think that you can pick the gender of your pen pal, but ask!!!! Reach out to marlies@solitarywatch.org. She's an angel and maybe she can find a way to make this work for you. You're so close to doing such a special thing. There has to be a way to make this work. Please reach out to me for information or support here if I can help. There seems to be a small group of individuals who will be participating. I'd love to have you be part of it. 🙏❤️
Absolutely! I reached out to her the day I read your post. I’m totally open to writing to any gender prisoner - but in the past I had only found opportunities for men who want to volunteer as pen-pal so I’m glad this organization is open to any pen pal! I’m patiently waiting to hear back from Marlie! Can’t wait to get that pen and paper flowing 🤍
This post seems to have popped up randomly. I’ll take it as a sign. Of course I have thoughts about the A&E firm (I refuse to dignify what they do as architecture). I wasn’t surprised that they don’t make it easy to find their prison projects on their website. 👿
From the article: “AIA prohibits the design of a space intended for ‘indefinite or prolonged solitary confinement of prisoners for 22 hours or more per day without meaningful human contact, for more than 15 consecutive days.’”
I’m inspired by your correspondence with people in solitary. I’m going to look into it. Thank you for shedding light on this.
Perfect, David. As soon as I let the post settle down, I'll collect the notes from people together and send them off. Of course, if there's a response to it, I will share with each of you, likely offline.
I can get a little grim to say the least on your first point. Our trajectory as a species is not promising. And yet...
There are people holding it together and getting us through it (like yourself). I wonder sometimes if the world is split exactly 50/50 between our best and worst inclinations. It would make sense of the beauty and the horror we seem to create for ourselves (and the rest of the living world).
You're onto it Adam. The impulse to connect with and acknowledge those who have gone deep deep deep into shadow realm is a healing act for all involved, and a real step toward a larger healing.
Also
I used to have my mailbox store guy Jason write out my envelopes 'cause my handwriting is so bad. I commented on how good his was. He scoffed and said "Have you ever seen the handwriting of inmates?" I loved the line and thought it was a great title for a short story collection, but now seeing Damien's letters I realize it is not just a great line/title, but true.
Thanks, Tommy. The Dostoevsky quote has always haunted me. Prisons as a barometer of the health of a people and culture. We need "a larger healing" as you put it. There are a thousand areas, of course, where light needs to shine. This one in the shadow realm needs light.
Tiny note on something that is confusing in my post, and I want to clean up. The letter I photographed is from an earlier correspondent (David) that simply disappeared in communication. He might have been transferred or he might have been released. Let's hope. Damien is a brand new pen pal. I haven't heard back from him yet, although I've been given a few scant details.
Thanks again for your comment here and for "getting it."
My god, Adam - this is heartbreaking and eye opening both, I'm almost in tears. Thank you for shining a light on this - 100% agree NOBODY no matter how heinous their crimes or how base their conscience deserves to be tortured in this or any other way. The corporate-speak of the architects of this atrocity (and it is) is just galling. I really admire your effort to give hope, and to posting about this.💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛
If you would please, write to Damien: "I hope for an end to your suffering, that you feel a connection to the world, that you know peace. - Troy"
I will indeed share your words, and I'm sure they will be felt deeply. Thanks for getting it, and thanks for the share. Chloe came across an essay about someone in long-term solitary that's powerfully written and worth a read: https://solitarywatch.org/2021/03/29/ready-to-return-to-humanity-after-34-years-in-solitary-confinement/
Wow, that is a powerful essay. I keep thinking of Robben Island and Nelson Mandela. While many lose their minds, some find depths of soul that most of us never access. Not that solitary is ever justified.
Per your other note. I think the policy you cite on solitary is exactly right. I think it is the international policy from some major organization. It's too early to research. The point is to separate not inflict psychological punishment. That these de facto sentences are completely extrajudicial is another crime.
I agree that some men find a depth of soul there. If you're interested for a great account read Solitary by Albert Woodfox. He was in solitary the Louisiana state penitentiary system for a few decades before having his sentence overturned.
Beautiful and thought provoking. While reading your post, I found myself asking, "What have we become if we throw away a person's right to redemption?"
Or sanity. It's not good.
I just read the William Blake essay that Solitary Watch have on their site, as well as some of the comments below it, and I’m equally disturbed by both--it’s like looking into the very maw of human cruelty. ‘Barbaric’ would be my word. But I think I’d prefer to email you something to include for Damien.
I read that essay ages ago and it has the DNA of the entire problem within it. It may be because it is early in the morning here, but I couldn't read to the end of it. I think I might have a mild claustrophobia (not "go see a doctor" but definitely can't open my eyes in an MRI). This may be driving the particular intensity of my terror around solitary confinement. I don't think I would last a year, certainly not thirty-plus like Blake. That is unfathomable to me -- as is the use of hope as a tool.
It is barbaric. Other than see the ones I love tortured, no other punishments come to mind that I wouldn't pick first.
Thanks for your note here. I look forward to sharing your note, even a brief one will be appreciated I'm sure.
https://solitarywatch.org/2021/03/29/ready-to-return-to-humanity-after-34-years-in-solitary-confinement/
Unimaginable.
Thank you for sharing, Adam. I wasn't aware of this program, but it's an important thing to be doing. I'm sure every letter is cherished and brings some form of hope and light.
You're welcome, Nathan. Solitary Watch has made something incredible possible through this program, but through so many others. I believe the letters are cherished and do bring hope and light. Even distraction in those conditions is a powerful thing.
Humanity at its finest. Simple. Kind. True.
Thank you. If you have a moment, look at what the heroes of solitary watch are fighting for.
https://solitarywatch.org/
Wow, I did an interview on a program pairing people in custody with a program growing sage to save a dwindling ecosystem, and Troy pointed me to this piece. I'm so glad he did. Thank you for sharing this practice, Adam. Thank you for shedding light where there is little. To your pen pal, I say may you feel the connection between us all. May you know you are thought of and your heart held.
Thank you, Holly. Most people care when it is not hidden from them I find, but it is so very, very intentionally hidden.
Out of sight, out of mind - it shows how far away we have drifted from "the decent society". Thanks for putting it out there.
Thanks for your note, Riley. I apologize it took so long to acknowledge it.
Unbearable. I just read William's testimony, his strength is quite amazing in the face of such systemic cruelty. What a poignant post, Adam, and a beautiful invitation to reach out against all dehumanising.
Thank you, Mya for the kind words. That is quite the testimony. That someone could come out of solitary confinement after so much time and then write about it so powerfully is difficult to comprehend. 🙏
I'm going to do it too. Thanks Adam.
If there's anything I can do to explain or support, lmk.
It makes me wonder what politician is angling to make us believe the death penalty would be kinder. No society can afford to have Disappeared people, the taint of that acts like shit in a glass of wine.
If the juries thought they'd have to do the executing themselves there would be a lot fewer executions.
One can hope.
It is deeply troubling at how we as a country deal with punishment. Too often it seems people leave confinement worse off that they entered. And the demographics are a reflection of holes in our society. We can and must do better. I will sign up to try and inject a bit of humanity and have shared with a Facebook group of friends. Thanks for lighting the path.
Scott, ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏. Everything above is true. The demographics, leaving worse than you came in. We hide it from ourselves. Do let me know if there is anything that I can do to support your connection to the organization. Reach out to marlies@solitarywatch.org. She's lovely and can get you set up with a pen pal. Their information on what is expected and how to be successful with the program is fantastic. Do let me know if you proceed. It would mean a lot to me (and knowing someone else out there that is participating is powerful, too.)
There’s nothing new under the sun.
https://www.historydefined.net/oubliette/
Thanks so much for sharing the Lifelines to Solitary resource. During Covid I was trying to do the same but the options I found online were for male convicts/male pen pals only. So hoping Lifelines is for all!
Sabrina, thanks for this note, and I hope you can find a way to participate. I don't think that you can pick the gender of your pen pal, but ask!!!! Reach out to marlies@solitarywatch.org. She's an angel and maybe she can find a way to make this work for you. You're so close to doing such a special thing. There has to be a way to make this work. Please reach out to me for information or support here if I can help. There seems to be a small group of individuals who will be participating. I'd love to have you be part of it. 🙏❤️
Absolutely! I reached out to her the day I read your post. I’m totally open to writing to any gender prisoner - but in the past I had only found opportunities for men who want to volunteer as pen-pal so I’m glad this organization is open to any pen pal! I’m patiently waiting to hear back from Marlie! Can’t wait to get that pen and paper flowing 🤍
This post seems to have popped up randomly. I’ll take it as a sign. Of course I have thoughts about the A&E firm (I refuse to dignify what they do as architecture). I wasn’t surprised that they don’t make it easy to find their prison projects on their website. 👿
In late 2020, after the upheavals of that year, our professional organization updated their code of ethics, which I found by googling “AIA code of ethics prisons.” (Example article: https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/national-architects-association-amends-ethics-rules-to-prohibit-design-of-execution-chambers )
From the article: “AIA prohibits the design of a space intended for ‘indefinite or prolonged solitary confinement of prisoners for 22 hours or more per day without meaningful human contact, for more than 15 consecutive days.’”
I’m inspired by your correspondence with people in solitary. I’m going to look into it. Thank you for shedding light on this.
Perfect, David. As soon as I let the post settle down, I'll collect the notes from people together and send them off. Of course, if there's a response to it, I will share with each of you, likely offline.
I can get a little grim to say the least on your first point. Our trajectory as a species is not promising. And yet...
There are people holding it together and getting us through it (like yourself). I wonder sometimes if the world is split exactly 50/50 between our best and worst inclinations. It would make sense of the beauty and the horror we seem to create for ourselves (and the rest of the living world).