Heaven

(From the first scene: Court Room Day) Gerry Dibble stands before God with one of Jesus’ representatives who is defending him. Satan’s officer is prosecuting him and one ofhis representatives… More

Labyrinth

Missouri State Prison looks like it was pulled up by the roots and transplanted block by block, wall by wall, tower by tower, massive iron gate by gate from… More

Brother Oak

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he… More

The Whitfeld Files

Author's Note This is a work of nonfiction. The descriptions of events are based on personal experiences of the author, court transcripts, affidavits, law enforcement documents, reports, and audiotaped interviews,… More

Horse the Caterpillar

In the world that I lived, I felt attached to its walls. These walls had no corners for there was no place to hide.In the beginning of this life… More

Buddhism in Prison

The Martha Stewart verdict is screaming from the headlines as I begin to write these lines. Martha used to be something of an idol to me. Before landing in… More

Letter to a Daughter

Dear Lori,Thank you for your latest. Do you remember about ten years ago when I was in the hospital with a kidney stone? I think I have them again. As… More

A Song of Death

There's a bird caught in the airduct that blows his dying song through the vent scared and beautiful resounding memories of the birds of childhood More

Journal of a Prisoner

October 27, 1998I began this day much like I begin every day here in prison. I woke at about 6 a.m. to pill call. I always wake up hearing… More

Cadaver

Honorable Mention, PoetryOptics only 9 yrs in usesaw the needlefilled with very little bloodhanging in the vein of the tied armThe arm hanging from a manlying in a refrigeratorin… More