Hi everyone, I just feel like talking today. A lot has been on my mind, and it has weighed me down to the point where I have felt out of my zone. Sometimes in prison, there is nothing but your own thoughts to ponder, and this isn’t a good thing — not ever.

My days are strictly regimented. Oh, not because of ‘The Man’, but by choice. I have a day to day routine as most imprisoned souls do, and when it gets disrupted, everything goes to hell. Focusing on my mental chatter is surefire way to find myself there.

I’m not going to talk about the particulars, so if you were hoping for details, I am sorry. I’m not that open. What are you, peeping Toms?

Speaking of peeping Toms, I am shocked at what people feel they must post on social media. I am equally surprised that people eagerly read such posts.

Take shopping, for instance. Why would anyone post minute by minute coverage of their Walmart errands? This perplexes me. I have friends who do just that: Here’s a post from the grocery section; here’s one from gardening; and here’s one polling everyone’s opinion, Tide laundry detergent or Gain? Now that’s just stupid. Everyone knows Gain is better.

Then there’s the pics. Posted from the moment the day starts until its drunken end. I’m sure some people wake the following day wishing they had put their phone away.

For the longest time, I could not understand why a stranger would want to read a blog about someone’s prison life (thank you! for following, btw, I am grateful even if a tad bit suspicious), but now I understand. People want what they can’t have, and I have what you don’t. No worries, there’s plenty of prison to go around.

Before prison, I lived on paradise. I lived in an offline world experienced by actually going outside. I was raised in the countryside where mockingbirds sang symphonies from rooftops and Swallowtail Butterflies danced upon the wings of hummingbirds.

(Go ahead. Google “mockingbirds” and “Swallowtail Butterflies” — I will understand.)

I’ve wondered if I will return to offline when I am out again — and yes, I will be out — or will I trade in paradise for today’s world of digital realities? Realities conjured up by AI Google searches, social media posts, and VR headsets where I can ‘experience’ anything in the Multiverse my imagination chooses?

In a way, I already experienced a multiverse. I have no access to the internet, nor am I able to physically go anywhere. All I have are fond memories and a vivid imagination. If I close my eyes, I can experience anything I choose.

You want to know the truth? I am okay with it. I am also okay with embracing today’s digital world. I’ll post on social media, Google and surf regularly, and order from Amazon. Believe it when I say I will have apps for everything. Just don’t expect me to stay inside all day.

I could never give up paradise.

*Christopher Monihan is a writer, journalist, and 2024 Stillwater award recipient. He is incarcerated in Ohio.