PRISONER EXPRESS

Mind games, we all play them; from queens to presidents, homeless beggars to billionaires. Little children are adepts, grandparents too. Mind games come in various forms. We each have our own. Being a convict, I'm probably a master at mind games, but not in the way you're thinking. No, the last thing I want to do is play with anyone else's mind! I've had it done way too often to me. Rather, the mind games I play are within my own mind. Psychologically, I'm sure it's a form of escapism, but being in a prison that was built in 1825 I don't think it's so terrible.

So, I put in some ear plugs and close my eyes. Lo-and behold! I'm on my Honda Super-bike doing a highly illegal 147 miles per hours, on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn! I make myself hear the whistle of the air blowing through the vents in my helmet. For a bit more realness, I'll turn my fan on high to mimic the rush of air through the crack I'll leave of my face shield. I know that road so well. I can even see the potholes. I have to slow for the Mill Basin Drawbridge. And there are always "Highway 2" patrols by Flatbush Avenue and Knapp Street, and then, and then...

Some corrections officers will shine a flashlight in my face taking his count! There goes the mind game. I much rather play these sort of mind games, simple little harmless, escapist fantasies, than play with others' heads. I could never understand the point of playing mind games with another, be it convict or C.O, in prison. I mean, we are in prison! What is the pint? It's not like if you win the game, they'll let you out.

And in the real world, out there, I was never into it either. Maybe that's why I've not been too successful. Yet, I do realize that mind games, if not a necessary part of life, to all our great misfortune, they are a part of life. Really, I think: Who needs any mind games? Then again, maybe this essay is a mind game?

So there's a theory!