Poetic Justice Incorperated

Jax was a student of mine at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McCloud, Oklahoma. She had a natural gift for writing and a heart that helped other writers feel confident and proud of their own writing.

 

After a five week writing class, Jax approached me and asked me for a hug. This is not allowed between inmates and volunteers. I knew that Jax asking for a hug was her way of communicating a thank you to me for bringing Poetic Justice's class to this facility: a prison that houses approximately 1,400 women. It is over capacity. 

 

Breaking the rules, I went in for a hug from Jax and could feel her soften in my grip as we both silently held each other for a minute, knowing that the other was offering a thanks. Jax is one student I have been honored to spend time with in these writing workshops. There are over 500 others that have come through the doors of our classroom.

 

Each has chosen to spend time with a group of women, write, share stories about life, and encourage one another to make life as bright and peaceful as they can. 

 

Working with Poetic Justice brings me hope every day.