Prison Journalism: Sundays of Reflection

Prison Journalism: Sundays of ReflectionWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

by Wesley Leong

14-12-2023 08:55

in Prison Journalism

Prison

Image by unsplash

We have all, at some point, had the wonderful experience of enjoying a blissful Sunday afternoon. Sometimes it's spent alone with a book or with a loved one or family.

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Sunday in Prison Being in prison on Sundays is not pleasant. The only options are to stay inside, sleep, ponder deeply, or waste time on gang activities and other nonsensical things. Personally, I used this time for self-reflection and to contemplate my life, including worshiping the divine. In conclusion, Sundays are unique in prison.

Learning Lessons During my younger years, Sundays were always special in my family. They began with visits to the cemetery to place flowers for loved ones, followed by a large brunch that lasted until supper. I didn't appreciate these moments or the lessons my elders tried to impart. As I aged, the importance of Sundays and family became clearer.

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Alone on Sundays Now, at nearly 43, I spend most of my Sundays alone. It feels like a prison on one hand, and on the other, it's like having everything yet feeling empty. The thought of ending up forgotten and dying alone terrifies me. I am committed to dedicating my time towards creating a warm, loving, and friendly environment.

How One Can Believe So My soul constantly seeks happiness. I ponder whether our truths should let us escape the repetition of mundane life in society. It's intriguing to consider how often people let themselves down for money or adapt to societal norms. I believe that love is nothing without forgiveness, even if we think we understand it.

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No Doubt About It There's no doubt that Sundays should be a day of realignment and embracing love. It's a day for growth, both mentally and spiritually, amidst life's challenges. The journey might be slow, but it's not the end.

One Day I remember attending a Narcotics Anonymous meeting where someone shared with me, I was willing to give up everything to find what's true. This resonated with me, as I had been wanting to let go of everything to renew my life with love. We are all interconnected in some way. Sunday, indeed, is the day for this realization.

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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