keep six (verb); 1. to keep an eye out for prison guards when you are doing something that could get you seriously busted; 2. to watch behind you when you are flying a military aircraft in battle; 3. to make a weekly 6-item bucket list of the things that catch I.M. GreNada’s imagination.
Six things I have in my cell and am grateful for.
A Bible
An atlas
A 16 oz Tim Horton’s thermal coffee mug
Obus Form back support
and a box of pens…
Johnny Cash, The Tragically Hip, Metallica – in the past, some of the greatest concerts ever have happened behind bars. These days, we’d be lucky to get a greying politician singing Imagine. These are six bands I won’t be seeing in concert anytime soon…
When Mercedes brought children into my life, I immediately realized what an empty echo their absence had been. Thankfully, Bill #-10 will now bring more children to adult prison than ever before. While we await their arrival, these are six kids I’d like to give a big attaboy to – except that their parents would probably put a restraining order on me.
…and a guitar virtuoso
If you ever have to spend twelve hours a day locked in a six by ten concrete box with another human, try and pick a vegetarian. Much easier on the nostrils. If that doesn’t work, at least try and find somebody intelligent. These are six really bright people I wouldn’t mind double-bunking with.
And the late Salvador Dali
Vacations I dream of – very quietly.
If writers were paid by the wit, not the word, these are six things I wish I’d said.
1 – “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day. ” Matthew 6:34, the Bible
2 – “The first lesson in civics is that efficient government begins at home.” Charles Evans Hughes
3 – “Either you repeat the same conventional doctrines everybody is saying, or else you say something true, and it will sound like it’s from Neptune.” Noam Chomsky
4 – “Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that’s no reason not to give it.” Agatha Christie
5 – “Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave.” Indira Gandhi
6 – “A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.” Mahatma Gandhi
Ten years ago, the SPCA ran a canine-therapy program outside the fence. The dogs – and cons – who participated were some of the most damaged creatures imaginable. I’m not sure what happened with the dogs (I wasn’t eligible to participate back then), but it sure did a number on the humans.
These are six dogs I’d like to throw a Frisbee with, but can’t – because Frisbees are banned in prison.
Better the devil you know. Especially when your devil still serves breakfast. These are six hell holes I’m glad I’m not doing time in. (Listed in no particular order.)
First – ADX, Colorado
Second – Tadmor Military Prison, Syria
Third – Carandiru Penitentiary, Brazil
Fourth – La Sante Prison, France
Fifth – Diyarbakir Prison, Turkey
Sixth – Bang Kwang Prison, Thailand
Six wines I’d like to taste – but can’t because they’ll throw me in the hole.
1. Way to go Sam! Two Paddocks’ Pinot Noir
2. Spain’s Codorniu – Cava
3. Inniskillin from Niagara – Icewine Sparkling Vidal would be a real adventure…
4. Quebec’s vignoble de l’Orpailleur – Orpailleur Brut
5. or maybe Sunny California’s Sutter Home –Zinfandel
6. Capetown’s Vergelegen – Cabernet Sauvignon
Until the new government puts us all in pink jumpsuits, Canadian prisoners are still permitted to wear leisure clothing after work hours. Here’s 6 t-shirts I’d like to see out on the big yard.
1 – Back in the Day
2 – When Pigs Fly
3 – Life Gives You…
4 – Not a Drill
5 – Instant Human
6 – Rings a Bell
Saving...