Editor’s note: Today, I’m sharing a recent reflection from Ray (letter from 03/12/2025), who is currently incarcerated and allowed me to post this on his behalf. In this entry, he describes a day in prison—what it feels like to be outside for a moment, to joke with others, and to hold onto joy in small, ordinary things. I hope his words offer a glimpse into the humanity that endures even in the most difficult places.

Today is a good day. I am happy to be able to get a chance to feel the breeze and enjoy the view of the sky. It is lovely to me—the feel of the wind on my face. I reach out as if I could touch the sky and feel the sun on my hand.

As I am laying on the cement floor, although it is dirty, it is OK. I can wash clothes. But I do look like I have been rolling around in dirt—my white clothes have brown spots due to all the dirt on the floor. It does not matter; I can wash clothes. I am just glad to be able to breathe some fresh air.

I did work out. I did as much as I could: pull-ups, and after that, I did a Navy Seal burpees–pull-up exercise. I finished with push-ups and pull-ups. I feel so much better now.

I need a bath and need to wash my clothes, then study and go to bed. That is my whole day. So my boring day was a bit funny. That is actually my usual day.

I always wake up Grandpa Purple (Ray’s neighbor) just to mess with him and make him smile—although sometimes I irritate him. It just makes it all the more funnier, and in the end, we get a good laugh about it later. One time it got so bad he started banging on my wall like a maniac—it was so funny. I told him he sounded like he was auditioning to play for a heavy metal band—the drummer, of course. But we just make the best of things, Shorty. We have to. Or I do.

Today, the peer educator came to my cell door and asked me why I smiled so much and why I seemed so happy. I told him, despite me being incarcerated, I make the best of things. He actually told me I need to pass that around to these other guys. He calls me “Smiley” now.

Thank you for sending the books and things to my mother. I will tell her to study, and I hope she does take it serious. I have not called home, but I will later to check on them and see how they are.

Hey Shorty, they are starting to release people from solitary confinement. There is talk of getting rid of solitary confinement. Well, it is not just talk—it is happening, little by little. So with time, eventually we will see what happens.

Today a guy had an accident or something—I have no clue what happened. I just heard a scream really loud, and the guy got pulled out. He had scratches on his back, was bleeding. I just hope he is OK. Prison is crazy.

I am outside with a guy that rants about stuff and speaks a lot about things I do not agree with, but I just listen to him rant and enjoy the small amount of time I have outside—because it might be a month before I get rec again. So I will enjoy this time I have, regardless of who is outside and what he says.

So I am OK and enjoying the wind on my face, which is a rarity to me. Well, I just wanted to write a little since I have time, and well, they are putting people up, and I seriously need a shower. I feel like a grimy dust ball—do not know if that makes sense, but OK. I feel dirty.

So, well, I hope all is going well with your projects. Enjoy your day and have a good night. 🙂

Best wishes,
Ray E