Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Image by casarda via Deposit Photos

I do not need to ask how you are, 
as I know you are wonderful. 
I am full of joy and splendor 
knowing you are waiting for me 

on the outside. I long to hear 
your whispers and feel your warm 
kisses on my face. You are a cool 
mountain breeze, your skin is 

a meadow in bloom, your scent 
like fresh spring flowers, the taste 
of you an ocean spray–seeing you 

is a beautiful sunrise on desert skies. 
I know we have had our differences. 
Sometimes I can be stubborn, 
and think that I know best. 

For this, I am deeply and truly sorry. 
I have attempted to elude you, 

All the while searching for something, 
anything to take the pain away, 

just to realize that what I was searching for
was you all along. You were right in front of me 
and I was too blinded by my own selfish wants 
to see you. But, there you were. Waiting. 

You are my truest love: the one thing I desire 
most, and I have taken you for granted. 
Not again, this is truly the last time. 
I want you. I need you. I will never leave you.

Freedom, you are my heart’s desire. 

Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Gary Daniel is a writer incarcerated in California. Prior to incarceration, he was a chef for 26 years.