Notes from Exile: Mornings
Log/Verse: daily reflections from prison, written every morning at my bunk. Part poem, part log book.
Notes From Exile: Mornings
In keeping with the them of daily life in prison, I’m publishing the following poem, MORNINGS, written at my bunk. More than any other time, early morning reveals the emotional temperature of prison.
MORNINGS
Mornings are quiet
in the camp.
A gradual rising
of misery,
as we stumble one
by one,
toothbrush in
hand,
or in our mouths through
the halls, passing in
silence.
No good mornings. An
unspoken rule.
Sometimes there is accidental
jostling
when the season
is dark,
as we enter and leave
the steamy
baths.
More than any other
time,
the long days
loom.
If this piece resonated with you, consider sharing it or leaving a comment. To support this work and help spread awareness about justice reform for white-collar defendants, subscribe to White-Collar Journal and stay connected. John DiMenna is a member of the White Collar Support Group.
To leave a comment, Substack may ask you to verify your email address (a one-time step to prevent spam). You don’t need to subscribe or create an account. Just check your inbox for a one-time link.