My mom is my best friend. Her name is Cathy and she is taking care of my 15 year old daughter while I am incarcerated. My daughter started high school this year and turned 14 in March.
Those two are my angels and the reason I keep pushing forward. My mom has late stage COPD and is on oxygen and I worry about her constantly, but God has blessed her and kept her here. They keep me going and I try to keep my faith and stay positive.
I have been an addict for 25 years and I am proud to say I have been clean for 15 months. That is the longest period of sobriety I have ever had. It feels good to finally share some of my writing with the world.This is my first time in prison and it has made me appreciate life in a way I never have before. I am learning how to cherish things I used to take for granted and how to rebuild myself from the inside out.
I watch every video from the Humans of San Quentin on the Edovo app on tablets in here, it has been a huge boost to my spirits. I work out every day and I write all the time. I use poetry to get through some of my hardest moments. I figured I would send you some of my favorites because they all come from personal struggles and my battles with drugs and alcohol.
The holidays make everything harder. I imagine it is like this for a lot of people in here. But writing these poems, putting my thoughts on paper and sharing my story helps me feel like I am doing something meaningful. Even if you they never make it on Edovo just having my writing read means a lot to me. Maybe I will get blessed with a pen pal or two. I hope so.
I think what you are doing is incredible. Every day I have something to look forward to and that is rare in a place like this. Thank you for letting people like me have a voice. Thank you for giving meaning to our words. Thank you for letting me share who I am and what I am trying to become.
Zachary’s story highlights the profound impact of systemic issues on individuals. It’s heartbreaking but important to hear these voices for real change.