April 15, 2020
Hi Dede,
I wrote a poem. If you think it’s good, can you put it on your blog? This is day one of my writing. I want to aim for one poem a week. It feels great to write. I feel like I’m contributing to society.
It’s funny how fear is always present. Was that how it was for you when you were writing? Fear of failure? Fear of inadequacy? I won’t tolerate fear. Sorry about my handwriting. (Travis writes with the wobbly inside stem of a pen. The prison removes the outer casing.)
It’s a beautiful day as far as I can tell. (Travis uses a narrow slit of a window to look outside. He sees mostly sky.) I have swallows building a nest just outside on a light. They inspire and comfort me.
How are you doing? I hope this virus isn’t as serious as it seems. I’m trying to not be pessimistic about reopening the country. Hopefully, California will have been locked down long enough not to re-expose citizens.
Inside is a letter I wrote to you about a week ago. I never sent it because I tried to make up a poem and I got overwhelmed. Please don’t share that letter.
Well, anyway, here’s my poem that I would like you to share if you think it’s appropriate. Also, thank you for even being willing to go through the effort of sharing my poetry.
I hope you’re doing okay. I’m laughing at myself the way I behaved at our last visit.
MY POEM
by Travis Christian
I’m sitting in silence staring out my window,
All I have is myself to look forward to.
I hear whispers of temptation beside my head.
I pretend that I don’t hear them instead.
I’m thinking of everyone that I’m connected to.
The birds work to build a nest,
With each passing dash, I’m impressed.
I’m sitting in silence staring out my window,
I relax as I refocus.
I’m reminded that I’m not alone,
And, for the moment, I feel at home.
This is my attempt at a poem for day one. Let me know what you think. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Stay young,
Travis
NOTE: You can write to Travis and/or others. See their photos and mailing addresses on the blog’s Pen Pal page.