“Brave Heart”

This is powerful and honest appraisal of what brings many to prison, and the reality of what they're told and what they face there. There is a glimmer of hope here though, in that the speaker presents himself as determined to change, and to avoid negative traps.

In his brief essay about an experience at "Game Night" at his institution, Gary demonstrates some wonderful strength spotting, describing a fellow incarcerated man who bravely spoke up against a derogatory action during a game of charades. Telling a peer, colleague, friend, or family member that something they are doing or saying is offensive can be so hard; it requires a particular kind of bravery that's challenging for all of us. But in his essay Gary reminds us of how very important and valuable this kind of bravery can be.

Janell includes a P.S. with her poem, saying that "Sitting with Silence" is her act of bravery "cuz I like to run my mouth." Don't we all! What a great reminder of the courage it takes to be still, and quiet, and listen for the gentle reminders in Janell's poem.

M. Weber's brief poem – which makes great use of sound throughout – reminds us that sometimes the most frightening things we face are our own self-doubt and uncertainty. The image of opening our arms to embrace that uncertainty, instead of running away, is really powerful!

Michael has written this poem as a tribute to his mother and her courage in facing four different types of cancer, bravely fighting them all. "We will hold on to hope," he tells her. "We are warriors, I know."

Paul's essay uses a great extended metaphor, biblical in origin, of a man building his house on a foundation of stone; this, Paul writes is what true bravery means. He cites the example of Gandhi, who stood up to the British empire "with no gun or power" – but instead, "with courage, faith, and the will to end oppression."

Peter sees bravery as “an interwoven thread in the fabric of prison life.” He draws our attention, particularly, to the courage of those who choose to become “a Positive Example,” reminding us of the bravery that is abundantly present in our prisons. (You can also read Peter's piece on p.12 of The Loop - Issue 2 - 2023)

Rodney’s essay is a powerful reminder of the bravery that is abundantly present in our prisons. Rodney reminds us of the “drive, determination, and guts” that are required to rise to the challenge of each new day when you are incarcerated. (You can also read Rodney's piece on p.12 of The Loop - Issue 2 - 2023)

This poetic essay is filled with powerful language and offers a fine use of rhyme. It's a letter to "addiction," and it's about winning the speaker's battle with heroin. This is a battle that will take deep courage, just as it took tremendous courage to write this letter.