Gratitude

Writing Group Lessons

by Lawrence Cuellar

When I was told that F6 was going to start getting more classes, I was like “Yeah, sure, I’ll try some of them out and see how they work out”. Then when the teachers/instructors came into the pod to sign us up and tell us a little more about their classes I saw a petite, longhaired beauty and at that point I was determined to be in her class even though I didn’t even know what it was about. I went to the table where she was signing people up and started to ask her questions about her class, at which point she told me it was a writing class. I took that to mean that we were going to be taught how to punctuate and write perfect sentences and paragraphs so I thought, “Fuck it, I could use the help”, and let’s face it, with her as the teacher I was able to be around beauty twice a week in an ugly living condition.

And then the first day of class arrived and I realized it was something totally opposite of what I had expected. As the class started she gave us a topic – Who Are You? So I did a little poem and it was actually a decent one, and from that point I was hooked. I enjoyed writing before I even knew how much I really liked it. When I started to send my printouts to my daughter, who enjoys writing poems herself, it actually brought us together in a unique way. We were clicking on a new level, and this wouldn’t have happened if not for the writing class.

So, for me this class has really been a great benefit, not because of the certificate and not because we get out of the pod, but because I have a whole new relationship with mi jita (my daughter) that I truly believe could not have happened without Wendy and her class. In a nutshell this class has taught me that our words are powerful and when we write them down they have the power to strengthen a relationship, as is the case with my daughter and me.

A Group Lesson

by Prosperous Domingo

This group taught me to let my pen free –

topic or not – whatever it may be –

jus’ puttin’ the paper to ink/

Don’t think – jus’ keep it free of worries –

Sometimes u jot in a hurry –

other days thoughts are blurry.

Jus’ let the flow carry

you down deep in thought –

the side of your mind that’s dark –

it’s expressed through these words of art.

It’s not about being smart or sharp –

as long as it comes from the heart,

n’ people that are there to share –

treasured stories – from everywhere –

everything to déjà vu nightmares.

Now I’ve been inspired to write more,

days that are a bore,

I pick up the pen n’ pad pacin’ the floor –

beatin’ on the desk and the door,

cuz’ this group taught me to let my pen free.

Behind these walls - this is a class that I need.

Well that, commissary, mail, n’ our greens –

and I’m not talking ‘bout the ones that come with our beans.

Anyway, I appreciate you meetin' me.

For You

by Art Herrera

This is dedicated to you know who...

for all the love and devotion you bring with you...

 in case you don't know who this is, I'ma give you a minute...

I'm sad just to think of a world without her in it.

True there's a story to her that I don't know, 

but everybody needs a friend, not the one to come and go...

me, I'm the friend that you never knew you had...

Never will I lock my door just in case you feeling bad...

I can be your big brother, you can be my little sister!

Because of her beauty man who can resist her. 

From her simple shoe's to the writing underneath, 

the smiles she brings to the shredding of her jeans...

the way she doodles on her journal when he talks,

her compassion for her man and how she walks. 

The way she listens and looks like she cares

makes you really think as if no one else is there.

Just thinking of that smile keeps me on a mission, 

if it wasn't for this class I'da transferred to the kitchen.

Reflecting on what you wrote, you're huggable yourself, 

if you ever wrote a book, I'd keep it on my bookshelf. 

I'm touched by your friendship and everything you write, 

the gratitude you wrote had me smiling all night. 

(In here) there's only so much I look forward to in life!

One of them is you! My kids and my wife. 

Gratitude

 by Bobby Casarez

What I’m grateful for most of all is my girlfriend Alex. She’s so wonderful. She has been there for me through thick and thin, and has never left my side. I’ve fucked up so many times in ways I can’t explain, and she always finds it in her heart to forgive; but I’m sure she doesn’t forget. When I’m down she’s the one who brings me up, and when she’s down I’m the only one who can make her smile.

I do things with Alex that I’d never be caught doing with any other girl no matter who they were. I guess we just bring out the kid in each other, and I love it. It’s fun to be childish sometimes, and especially with the person you care most about. She is the only girl I’ve ever spent holidays with, and felt comfortable around her family.

Even though I am incarcerated, Alex still makes me feel free inside, which is the best feeling you can have in jail. She is the person I am most grateful for. I just hope that she is as grateful for me as I am for her. This is dedicated to the girl of my dreams, M.A.R., from B.J.C.