Letter from Prison 1

“The Jailbird Sings”  or “Greetings from Club Fed.”

6 August 2000

Dear family and SOA Watch friends--

I had hoped to be in Cleveland today at the fundraiser for the Inter-Religious Task Force on Central America.  I think I can just barely make out some melody wafting down south from Sing It Down!  But instead I am concluding my first week at FPC Lexington Atwood.  The "Atwood" is for one of the early wardens, but I have decided to pretend that we have been named for the feminist poet Margaret Atwood.  A line from one of her early poems has stuck with me for years: "The facts of this world, seen clearly, are seen through tears."  We already know that in regard to US intervention in Latin America, but I am seeing another facet of that sadness here with these women.  Most of them have no more business here than I do, in the sense of being real criminals.  Many are in on petty drug offenses, some simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.  But what is most striking, to me, is the pervasive kindness.  Women who could be bitter, angry and self-absorbed go out of their way to be helpful to each other-- for the most part.  It's a kind of community-in-adversity, and the resilience, humor and compassion amaze me.  Yes, turf issues arise, inevitably.  But there seems to be tacit agreement to get over it and get along, when tempers have flared.

Anyway I have been able to do some writing this week, as I've had a lot of free time.  I am still in "orientation" and haven't been assigned my job yet.  There is the possibility they'll just let me do my thing, since I'm a "short-timer."  The staff and women remember Sr. Marge very well-- even women who arrived after her release know her by reputation. ( I've noticed every time I use the word "media" near staff, they shudder a little bit.  But I'll be seeing Aileen LeBlanc from WYSO tomorrow morning, first thing! )

I share a room-- called a "bus stop" because the population tends to be fluid-- with 13 other women.  I have a top bunk, and the big industrial fans run constantly, so I am able to concentrate!  And there are lounge areas and picnic tables I can get away to when I need to be alone.  Most of the women are from the south, and I've noticed I'm already stretching my I's to Aahee's.  My roomies assure me I'll be fluent in Tennessee-ese before I leave here. ( So Mona, I'll be able to talk to you in your first language! )

Anyway, I just wanted you all to know that I am fine and trying to do my part of the SOA Watch work from this unique position.  I won't lie to you-- it isn't always easy-- the loss of my freedom hurts me more emotionally than I had expected, even knowing it is for such a short time.  But I do love these women, and pondering their lengthy incarcerations hurts even more.  And there is joy here as well in the kindness, the humor, the camaraderie, the writing and the countryside.

I want to thank all of you who were able to come to Mack for my send-off, and you dozen or so who made the trip to Club Fed with me.  Word of that delegation and Sr. Marge being a part of it got around here quickly!  And thanks for all the love and support you've been sending daily.  It gets here, and isn't dependent on mail call!   Take good care.

Love,  Margaret