The third paper in my saved documents on the Duval County
Inmate Computer System was actually passed around the facility in hard copy for
a few weeks. Guards, inmates and
visitors read it and it started a bit of an income maker for me as I would
write letters and poems for inmates in exchange for candy or part of their
meal, like maybe their milk at breakfast.
In reality I gained more in the fact I was making friends, if you can
call them that, that would look out for me and on more than one occasion intervened
in rough situations.
In case you’re wondering, all my charges were eventually
dropped. But it took over a year to
settle the case with seven different public defenders along the way and straddled
with a massive bond I was going nowhere.
But I held my ground, even though it was owned by someone else. I lost everything during that year, but
gained in ways I can’t always explain. All
that remains are memories, my writings and a jail house tattoo of a Nordic
cross on the inside of my lower right shin. It’s there to remind me to never return to this place, at least not as a
helpless inmate. Here’s their favorite
poem:
A Father's Part
I long to play ball again with you my son
The thoughts of your youth have already begun.
Stay focused and dedicated to the task at hand
Awake each morning and look for those steps in the sand.
Remember the lessons taught oh so long ago
Be of sound health, mind, body and spirit and go.
Go and seek a higher calling even if the path is dark
Often times in shadows the greatest light will spark.
Be not deceived by a wicked man’s deeds
Lend to your heart, you come from good seeds.
I will always remember your little boyish face
My how you’ve grown to a man with grace.
The misgivings of my youth are not part of you
You have seized the moment, I’m so proud of you.
My son, I want you to always know that when I was low
Thoughts of you made my heart stay in place and glow
You are my inspiration, my buddy and my treasure
Buried deep within, now you enjoy life’s simplest pleasure.
Go in Peace and Love will always follow
But be careful to whose wisdom you choose to borrow.
And in your middle age choose your friends with great care
For in the end they’ll be the ones you’ll most share.
I love you with all my mind, body, spirit, soul and heart
I’m so glad to be in your life…a special part…a father’s
part.
©….}….BAS Bryan A.
Stross July 30th, 2009
To my son William…at 19 years old.
Proverbs Chapter 10
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