An intimate first person non-fiction storytelling experience about incarceration in the United States.
I spend my days here working as a dog handler and trainer in the Staff Dog program. On any given day I am in contact with these wonderful creatures, even during days when my clientele are absent. It is a blessing, and I have always thought this. Who am I to deserve such kindness?
Another Ohio prison explodes in COVID-19 cases, and the prisoner and staff death toll rises. Cases in our prisons have yet to peak.
Continue reading “#29: Video Fridays in 60 Seconds — Week 6 Lockdown, Sick Inmates”
Every morning when the sun crests, a nurse is here to take our temperatures with a hand held laser thermometer. With each zap her voice chimes out “97.1” or “97.4” or “97.5”, etc. as she tells each person their result. By now guys have fallen into this morning routine without hesitation, and within 15 minutes everyone will be back to doing whatever it was they were doing. It’s almost my turn. Surprisingly, the line conversation is upbeat this morning.
So went week 3 of our COVID-19 lockdown. Current number of known inmate cases: 0. Somehow our desert island has remained an oasis in a sea of pandemic. Sure, there has been a sick staffer here and there, but so far (SO FAR) this hasn’t become the lit match. Every morning when the sun crests, a nurse is here taking everyone’s temperatures with a hand held laser thermometer. By now guys have fallen into this routine without complaint, and within 20 minutes everyone is back to doing whatever it was they were doing.
Continue reading “#27: Video Fridays in 60 Seconds — Week 3 of Lockdown, and Something Free?”
By now, everyone reading this is suffering from the same thing we prisoners are: boredom. Stuck at home with nowhere to go. Everyday I watch stories on television about how people out there are managing their boredom and self-imposed isolations. Some have rediscovered the love of their pets; walking the dog has suddenly become a favorite pasttime. I’ve taken to watching internet videos on television of animals doing the funniest things. Who can tire of seeing puppies and kittens?
Continue reading “TUESDAY: Mouse Racing & Social Distancing”