November Reflections from Jail

"I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had a courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils." -- Jane Eyre

I was taken to jail during a heatwave. The nights were long as Summer had her firm grip on DC. Now after 60+ days of my unjust incarceration, I look out the window from my cell and watch as the seasons change. My view of a tree turns from a stable green to a startling red. For days its been a gradual shift but in one night it turned to a red so deep and firey that I find myself moved to tears.

In jail all colors are muted. Beige and dull green offset the white concrete walls while the senses are muted with bland and often times off-putting food. This becomes a reflection of their attempts to break connection and meaning in favor of monotone rules and systems. So little changes that you start to forget yourself and the world beyond.

So I ask myself, how do I capture that firey passion just beyond my window to create a "varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements" behind bars?

The answer is intentional joy and building community. In jail, this has looked like celebrating people's birthdays by sharing snacks, coming up with games, creating cards and drawings, to being an active listener and offering comfort and advice when appropriate.

Despite everything, our housing unit is filled with laughter and friendship. There can be a full and vibrant life behind bars. And as the days get colder and the nights longer you will find us sharing our burdens over a cup of hot cocoa.

Even as the seasons change in my life, I will continue to love others to the fullest.

-Lauren Handy, Alexandria Detention Center