Storytelling is important because it allows people to share about their lived experiences. Storytelling plays a significant role in shaping a culture, and it allows us to use our imagination while considering alternate worlds. Through this collaboration, I hope to gain perspective and a greater understanding of the organization as a whole.
I am currently working on creating a blog to showcase my work. In the past, I have completed a variety of written works. I especially enjoy working on cento poems and flash nonfiction essays. In the future I am planning to combine my passion for music and writing, through engaging in songwriting and performing.
If I had one wish for the future, it would be that I complete two videos of my singing and musical performances by the end of this year. In order to achieve this goal, I think it is important that I set deadlines for myself. I also need to set aside a number of hours a week that I am willing to dedicate to working on the video and editing process.
Cento Poetry - I took lines from letters that prisoners wrote to their family members during the start of covid, and I pieced them together to create a poem.
Harris County Jail, Houston Texas
Saturday April 4, 2020
told my girlfriend
I was feeling bad
no soap
no testing
no nothing
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
here.
placed in a tank
three dozen in quarantine
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
no soap
no testing
no nothing
they put me in quarantine tank
I am no public threat.
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
here.
me in quarantine
tank 4th floor
I am scared
Some guys in here
sicker than I
Fever up to 110
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
rushed out in an ambulance
medication, a shot, x-ray
no one informed us
no one tested us
only takes one guard
to spread like fire
no soap
no testing
no nothing
I am 54, bad combination
I can’t get the virus
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
here.
suffering symptoms
with our situation
What is going to happen?
no chemicals to clean.
Area needs sanitizing.
no soap
no testing
no nothing
inmates beg to see doctor
officers won’t even call them
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
I could use help
I have become homeless since
the pandemic started
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die here
Any information
Would be helpful
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
58 men in one room
beds 2 feet apart
frightening times
here at Harris County Jail
1100 inmates tested positive
literally living in bunks
no social distancing here
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
locked up with no fighting chance
basically it's like living on death row
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
I wake up in fear of my life.
Is there any help for us?
not all of us are guilty
take this letter seriously
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
everyone is concerned
they let some out
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
People's lives are in danger
keep us in your prayers
we will do the same.
sick on last friday
I don’t want to die
here.
This place focuses on money
High risk-we all still here
People's lives are in danger
keep us in your prayers
we will do the same.
Thank you for your time.
PS: I need a lawyer,
I have some money.
A special thanks to Paul Rayes, Ren Cheeks, E, Rich, C, Ken Greggory “Shane” Nevellis and other detainees from Harris County Jail who have written letters about their experience during the COVID pandemic. For these words are their own. The second poem I have included is written through the eyes of a detainees partner.
Sources:
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/05/01/letters-coronavirus-harris-county-jail/
