Writing to Death Row Inmate Rewarding
by Katharine Donohue, OP
I had a wonderful experience recently. Many of you may remember that about 10 years ago, we were invited to write to a woman on death row. I received the name of a woman in the Metro State Prison in Atlanta, GA.
I wrote to Mary* for about four years without receiving a reply. I sent her cards with a note about 10 times a year. At some point, I was concerned that this woman really might not like hearing from a Sister and was about to stop writing when I got a letter from her telling me how much she appreciated my notes.
Mary began sending me poetry she has written while in prison. I have been deeply touched by the depth of her spirituality and her ability to transcend her situation in life. Many times when I was at a low point in my life, she sent me poetry which was exactly right for where I was at the time, though she could not have known that. Her letters have meant more to me than she will know.
In April of this year, between the deaths of my two brothers, I had an opportunity to visit Mary in prison. It was a miracle that I received permission as a special visitor, as my application arrived at the last minute and no background check was able to be done. The deputy warden told me she wanted Mary to have this visit. So, with much trepidation, having watched way too much Law and Order, and with the sound of metal gates crashing in my head, I went to visit Mary. It was wonderful. We talked nonstop for almost three hours, and it felt like we had always known each other and were just picking up a friendship where it left off some time in the past. It was a gift from God.
If you ever have a chance to write someone in prison, you will get more out of it than you could imagine. Go for it!
I’ll share two of her poems. “Repression” was written during or after Mary spent time in solitary confinement. “Learning to Lean” was written a year from her mother’s death, and after I told her of the death of my second brother.
“Repression”
Body, soul, shackled and chained
Crown of thorns, face blood stained
Nothing lost is nothing gained
The execution of Christ and nothing’s changed
If the forgiveness is none, then what remains?
Revenge is left to cure our pains
Constant obstacles and burdens to bear
The more we have the less we care
Memories and tears for those who died
Just the same as those when the spear pierced his side
How long must we live “an eye for an eye”
To taint the trust place where humanity lies
In these times of quotes and misquotes
His message is clear―take note
“Forgive them as I have forgiven you.”
And remember . . . I was executed, too.
“Learning to Lean”
On you, Jesus, I’m learning to lean
With burdens too great to bear
In you my slate is wiped clean
I’m thankful that you are not fair
For I know that I’m undeserving
I know that I’ve done wrong
When I pray I know you’re hearing
When I seek you and praise you in song
I know Jesus you love me
To you I commit my life
I give to you my family
My precious children and their lives
I kneel here humble and broken
Before your throne of grace
Trusting the words you have spoken
Draw me near and show me your face
Comfort us in our sadness
Fill us instead with your joy
Give to us hope and gladness
And faith like every little girl and boy
Give us strength to keep on going
Grant us mercy in all our days
Let your love through us be flowing
As we seek to follow your ways.
* Name has been changed to protect woman’s identity