A formerly incarcerated writer reflects on how the prison system didn't foster change, but befriending time did. In a powerful video op-ed, Marvin Wade shares his personal journey through 25 years of incarceration, contrasting the oppressive nature of prison with the liberating potential of time.
"Prison is a dark, cold and unforgiving place, controlled by powers that want to break you mentally, spiritually and physically. Time, on the other hand, is your friend, controlled by no one, there for you to do within it as you please," Wade says.
Wade describes how time allowed him to earn his G.E.D. despite prison's deliberate obstacles, such as bogus disciplinary tickets and locked cells. Time also enabled him to rebuild his relationship with his mother, discovering appreciation for her sacrifices. Through time, he found his gift of writing, studied conflict resolution, and reflected on his life, eventually feeling remorse and dedicating himself to helping youth avoid his path.
"Prison doesn't promote change. They want you to be that animal that they systematically bred you to be," Wade asserts. He concludes with a message to young people: "You do have time. It exists for us all."