In your April 2019 (Edition 115) issue of the SQ News ran an article about my having been found suitable for parole after nearly 50 years of imprisonment. Now, ordinarily I would’ve felt honored that the editorial staff of SQ News had taken an interest in my situation. I have long admired the [organization’s] efforts around humanizing prisoners, promoting a higher level of understanding between citizens in the greater community and incarcerated population. To begin with, the title. The unfortunate placement of an apostrophe (Manson’s … [Read more...] about LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK- DEAR SAN QUENTIN NEWS
Letters
LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK
Letters to the editor Before These Walls Before these walls, I laughed out loud and freely After these walls, my laughter sounds strange and forced Before these walls, I loved first and doubted later After these walls, I rarely love and always doubt Before these walls, I saw the best in everyone After these walls, I seek what’s below the mask Before these walls, I smiled at my mirror’s reflection After these walls, I see a stranger staring back at me Before these walls, I managed my healthy fears of tomorrow After these walls, I see … [Read more...] about LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK
Let The People Speak
To San Quentin News, No More Masks by Frank M. Ornelas I had three masks, the first one was used for those who didn’t know me. It was to keep people away and to keep them cautious. It was a way to keep them at bay. The second was for my circle of friends, friends I didn’t trust. I used it to intimidate. With it, I used it until I didn’t need them anymore. The third mask I used on my family. I didn’t want them to know I was a criminal. I hid the shame and guilt I carried. Alone, I removed the masks; the hurts, the scars, the resentments, … [Read more...] about Let The People Speak
LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK: letters to the editor
Kerry-Lyn-Dalton I’m a woman on California’s Death Row. I have been on Death Row for over 23 years. I think this newspaper does a lot of good and I like that you write about women on Death Row. But before people make assumptions about us, they should talk to all of us. There are women here who were horribly abused by men and that caused them to be here. They need a “voice” too. I worry that they are forgotten. If you speak for us, I feel that you should include our voices. Sincerely, Kerry Lyn Dalton … [Read more...] about LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK: letters to the editor
LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK Letters to the Editor:
In the Baemba tribe of South Africa, when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he is placed in the center of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases, and every man, woman, and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual. Then each person in the tribe speaks to the accused, one at a time, about all the good things the person has done in his life-time. All his positive attributes, good deeds, strengths, and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. The tribal ceremony often lasts several days. … [Read more...] about LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK Letters to the Editor:
“Fawn Eyes”
Father Sun shines down on my garden today, Sowing seed in mother earth as is our way. We reap what we sow-we eat what we kill, Winter we go hungry-summer time bellies are filled. My mate is a warrior, he protects our village, Should the enemy come to rob, kill and pillage, He takes pride in our tribe so he kills or he dies, This is our way-such is our life. We embrace mother earth, father sun loving wife. The birds do not swim with the fishes, The wolves do not know the word fear, We each have a niche we are born into, One kills, the … [Read more...] about “Fawn Eyes”
Dear Son
As I grew up My life was rough In order to survive I had to get tough I tried to do the right thing Keep my life together But things just fell apart My life was shattered.. We all have our problems Blind leading the blind Never stopping to think Using the full potential of our mind. The path I took had a a lot of twist and turns I was unable to slow down To practice and learn.. Now I sit here Paying the ultimate price Dear Son Don’t sacrifice your life! In a thousand and one ways I ask for your forgiveness This load I am … [Read more...] about Dear Son
The Forgotten Women
Time in prison for transgender women can be at times like being in a foreign county. Not knowing who to treat, and to have your life put in the hands of some men that don’t have their best interest is very scary. How to trust someone that may think that being a transgender women is put about sex. I am a person before anything else. If given the chance I am capable of doing the same things that a man can do. But in a man’s prison we are the forgotten prisoner. Not truly being accepted for who I say I am and constantly judged because of … [Read more...] about The Forgotten Women
“TORN”
My sins are numerous My lies piles high My skin is stained with blood Women scarred know of my bite A broken man I am Breaking where I see fit Rules, law love, trust I’ve been loyal to none of this Dream have never held my breath The future died every morn Gladly numb, regrettably stuck I’ve become worse than torn. By Travis Sicklovan … [Read more...] about “TORN”
“BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN”
I’ve had dreams’ Now faded far from reach I’ve had dreams Of terrible truths hard to teach Of sunny days yet sullen skies Contrast of love erupting From my lovers eyes, Tearful smiles, Havens embrace in the arms Of a fearful child Thanks from’ A swore enemy From to my wars long past Relief beseeched And received beneath A tyrants un-severed Warm benevolent rains From wounded we all grow Into beautiful broken things. By Travis Sicklovan #34849086 Federal Detention Center … [Read more...] about “BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN”