Thursday, June 5, 2008

alright alright alright

Prison was kinda anticlimactic, you guys. But, since I've gotten a couple requests, I'll describe it:

...okay, I can't. Seriously. To describe it I'd have to start from scratch. Because, it's Kenyan. It was just a Kenyan experience.

Apparently the Langata Women's Prison is one of the most 'respected' in Kenya, known for treating the women well and helping rehabilitate them. The women from Susan's church were basically giving a chapel service, as well as providing tissue, soap and clean underwear to each woman there. (My question is, if they treat their women so well, why don't they provide them with tissue and soap?)

So, I wrote this:


we sit shoulder to shoulder
we pray
i'm offered a translator
and it starts:

the pastor thanks God
for his grace and mercy
as the girls sit
six to a bench
in white robes,
and plastic shoes

we are here to teach these girls
about The Lord, i'm told

i disagree.

the young mother
who nurses her baby
in the front row:
this is grace

and the girl
who gives up her chair
and stands in the back:
this is mercy

who will teach us, i wonder?
we are too busy giving
to recieve.

6 comments:

Stephanie said...

you are wise, my friend. and a good writer.

rachel said...

Speaking of giving...
could you come home so i can give you a magnificent piece of art i created for you at my art lit party last night?
It is not worth waiting for, so you must come get it now.

and ps i think it is going to snow agian. no joke.

Angie said...

"And what did your cost consultant have to say about the cost for that which your 'awsome architect' designed?" asks the 'awsome architect'.

mere said...

Beautiful sweet girl, beautiful.
nolyamaid

Ashby said...

he's getting back to me, Ange! but he was impressed with all the work you've done. and I have to tell you that every time I look at the plans you gave me, I get the biggest smile on my face. those plans are more encouraging to me than almost anything else we've accomplished thus far!

also...I will work on posting some pictures soon.

and Steph: thanks.
and Rach: no.
and Mama: I love you too.

kat and luke said...

i'm not asleep. and i'm praying for you as you are hopefully meeting with your lawyer right now! why are you and carly both so witty and great writers? i think it runs in the rauch family...