PRISONER EXPRESS

Time has taken an ominous change, with respect to our social graces towards one another. Warnings are constantly inculcated in our minds to distrust, watch and avoid neighbors. Only the intramural world behind these stone, granite and steel walls will be the subject matter here-in. Upon entering these violent aceldamas, one will learn that neighborly hospitality is nonexistent, a Machiavellian fascicle, or rare if it's real. It is possible that the inmate living in a nearby cell or down the tier will soon encroach upon your life with malice aforethought. His purpose may be to rob, exploit, or use you for some ill purpose. Thereunto, it is prudent not to receive people in prison too affably or naively. Void conversations and nonsensical prattle by your neighbor quickly profiles him as someone you don't want to know.

After listening to this neighbor's conversation and the intonation of his voice, you categorize him and others as one of the dogs of hell. Remaining aloof in your self-imposed sanctuary won't last long. Soon, a true or false voice will call out to you, then something will begin that will either set you back or propel you forward. Any setbacks will lead to your spiraling downward into an abyss you may never rebound from. Many dogs of hell will be your neighbors in prison. They are full of tricks and schemes. Like anywhere, these are the people to avoid. The neighbors to seek out and forge friendships with are the literati and those following a moral-compass.

I've met some good neighbors behind walls, and I've met incorrigible hellacious ones. My experience and a penchant to identify truth and honesty allow me to make impromptu profiles. Just as a picture can speak a thousand words, a face can do the same. Everywhere you go, whether in prison or out, a neighbor is a potential friend or adversary.