Anonymous D has never been incarcerated.
She wrote these poems for her loved one
who has been through severe trauma
and is now behind the cold steel bars
of Rikers Island.

She wishes to offer support to all those
in deepest pain.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

rain
like mist
my face is kissed
I miss you now
not yet gone
like the dawn
misses the night

I wish it was autumn instead of spring…

a flute cries its lament
a drum beats like my heart
hard
deep
the flute cries
my tears hide
themselves in the mist

I wait
patiently
passionately
fiercely
for your return ...

war is over

rest your head
in the hollow of my shoulder--
the war is over

let my arms embrace you
remain in safety here--
the war is over

drift softly away
like a seabird soaring on warm winds

be at peace now
like the mists resting on the ocean

let sweet and peaceful breezes
whisper you soft dreams

be at peace now--
your war is over

Many incarcerated people recognize that when one person is locked up, the entire family is locked up. Partners experience not only the struggle of supporting a family alone and making long difficult trips on visiting day, but also the emotional heartache of not being able to be with your loved one. We feel so helpless. But we must remember that our letters, our voice on the phone, our much too infrequent visits, and our photos help those inside to keep on going.