PRISONER EXPRESS

I didn't think the judge was going to give me so much time. After all, I didn't kill anyone and I'm definitely not as bad as all of these other inmates. Look at them; they're all tattooed up trying hard to look tough. You can tell by their eyes that they cry themselves to sleep each night. As I sit on this bus, traveling to some god-forsaken hell-hole I take a moment to think about what prison is going to be like. An older man is laughing at the back of the bus. He's saying "Half of you M.F.'s is gonna be someone's ho in no times flat!" That old S.O.B. must be saying that just for kicks. I mean, it can't be that bad in prison.

Well there it is, a big red brick building with dozens of inmates walking around in white clothes. I can already tell that I hate the place. A guard is yelling for us to get off his bus. Actually, I can't wait to get out. The floor is soaked with urine from an overfilled urinal and I'm barefoot. I wonder what diseases I'm standing in. Why does he have to yell out every order? He's treating us like we are less than dogs.

I just can't wait to find my bunk and cover up. It's so nice to lay under the covers. The whole world is different under there. But wait. What if they put me in a bad tank? What if I'm stuck with an asshole for a cellie? Damn it. I'm going to have to play it tough. I won't be able to show an ounce of weakness! I'll just walk in there like I own the place! "Please God; don't let them put me someplace terrible..."

They gave me a set of clothes and shaved my head. God, I look like a serial killer! Remember, never smile and look each convict in the eye...I'll be okay. Maybe I'll get one of those scary tattoos. Like maybe flaming eagle plucking an eyeball out of someone's skull. I'm going to have to learn to smoke. All the tough inmates smoke. I mean, remember in all those prison movies? "Hey bud, gimme a smoke!" Oh shit! That reminds me. I can't use my real name, in here, I need a tough name. But what? How about "killer" No, I'm sure there are at least a dozen of them with that name. What about blade? Yeah, that'll work, no one will be messing with a guy named Blade because they think I'm good with a knife...The guard is yelling again. Good! He's taking us to our cells. I've gotta start tough! Just stare through people like they aren't even there. If anyone makes eye contact, I'll stare em down. No one is gonna see me as weak! I'm gonna hit that iron pile and be the biggest M.F. on this unit! But right now, I just want to get to my bunk and cover up. I need to write to my mom and sister, so they'll know where I'm at. We are stopping...the guard just yelled my name out. This must be my new home. Remember, walk firm. Look around when I get in there, maybe I can spot the trouble makers right away. This place doesn't look so bad. Look at the size of that inmate over there. I can't show weakness. Someone that size could crush me. "God help me". There's my bunk. I need to hurry up and get my things put up. I need to...why is that idiot staring at me? What does he want? I have heard that on most units, you have to fight on the first day. Maybe he's wanting to try me? Damn it to hell! Why is he still staring at me? I just can't let him stare without saying something. If I don't say something the whole pod will think I'm weak..."What the hell are you looking at?"...Damn I can feel the adrenaline pumping. "My name is Blade...Just Blade!" I feel like I'm shaking all over. Maybe if I flex every muscle it will ease the tension. "How'd I get the name Blade? Why don't you ask the M.F. I killed?" Damn, that sounded tough. I've never killed anyone â€" but they don't know that. I've got to slow my breathing down. They'll see it and know I'm scared shitless. I need to Ahh! Someone touched my shoulder. "What! What do you want?" God I'm losing it. "Yes, I'm a tough guy! Anytime you want to find out just ask." Oh shit! He's taking his shirt off! I gotta fight this guy and I don't even know him! I sure am glad he's smaller than me. "Okay punk, let's rock!" Damn he hits fast. I've got to move in on him, then I can pulverize him! There! I've got him! Now I'll show everyone who they're messin with! A few punches to his head, another to his gut! Wow, this is too easy! Ugh! Who hit me?

Damn it, this dude's friends are jumping on me I...can't...seem...to...connect with....one of them. They're all hitting me! I can't fend them off. I've got to...I've got to...why do I feel so weak? There's no...good, everyone is running away. I need to get back to my...My God! I'm bleeding! There's blood everywhere, "Someone help me!" Why...why won't they help me? Don't they know who I am? I need...to write to my mom...to let her know...

A guard ran into the pod and saw the man's corpse lying still on the floor. All of the other inmates were in their bunks looking innocently on the bloody scene.

"Does anyone want to tell me what happened?"
There was a moment of silence before an inmate yelled out.
"That M.F. came in here looking for a fight so we gave it to him!"
"I don't suppose any of you know his name?"
"Yeah, it's Blade and he's a cold blooded killer!"