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I Still Dream


When I dream, I shoot for the moon,
So that if I miss, I land amongst the stars.
I reach out, feeling the winds touch high upon mountain peaks
Air so thin in the heavens,
I can see my breath as I exhale.
The breaks behind me as I slowly step toward the summit,
Triple-layered to honor the god of ice,
Dodging snowballs down icy slopes,
With adrenaline coursing through my veins.
I still dream.

I dream of cool waters gliding gently around my skin,
Earth giving way below as the stream leads me to paradise.
I embrace the mist from the waterfall,
Cascading over smooth rocks beneath,
Concealed within the mountains.
I watch the droplets dance on the color spectrum,
Between violet and blue,
Basking in the breeze,
As it sends chills down my spine.
I still dream.

I dream of warm sunsets and evening strolls down the beach,
Sand crumbling beneath my toes as I flirt with destiny.
The current pulls me away from shore,
And I succumb to love,
Spending hours watching dolphins surf,
Flowing through barrels as waves crash at my feet.
How beautiful my dreams are—second to none.

I miss you, freedom.
I’ll see you again.
I still dream.

📬

These stories arrive by mail.

Every month, a physical envelope arrives at your door, postmarked from San Quentin Village, California. Inside, you will find original artwork, writing, and recipes from real contributors, along with a personal letter from me, Diane Kahn, founder of Humans of San Quentin, about the people who made them. You read it. You keep it.

Every piece comes from someone serving a sentence. Every piece reminds you they are so much more than that.

📬 Join the Mail Club

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