The Protector
Dark and alone, in the middle of nowhere, a small cabin sits,
the scent of old decay hovers in the lifeless air;
inside, an old man silently sleeps the peace of death,
as a sad eerie howl spills forth from the surrounding wood.
Wildlife scurries away from the lonely pond that sits in the silence;
weeds, long overgrown, sway lazily with the gentle breeze;
a well-used, yet littered path, leads to a busted shed,
rusted items are strewn about as if rarely used.
As the wolf enters the cabin, rodents run for cover;
throughout the cabin, cobwebs and dust hang as if lifeless;
personal belongings rotted with severe age and mildew,
firewood carelessly stacked;
Upon the weathered bed the old man rests in peace.
Tacked to the wall, by itself, a very tattered photo:
A man and his pet, looking content to live a secluded life,
And missing his best friend, the wolf whimpers in sadness
Yet standing guard, the wolf protects his friend and their home.
Sammy The Wolf Lupo, Illinois
Please note: all prisoners' work is copyrighted. If you wish to copy any work, please ask by contacting us.
In a Death Row prisoner‘s own words:
“I already answered Sally‘s first letter, but not just a letter of words. I wrote letting her know I want to be her friend forever. I can already see she is a very sweet person, full of smiles and happiness and my heart is very full of care and respect for her.”
“I already answered Sally‘s first letter, but not just a letter of words. I wrote letting her know I want to be her friend forever. I can already see she is a very sweet person, full of smiles and happiness and my heart is very full of care and respect for her.”
Human Writes Patrons
"The very essence of the death penalty is to tell people that they are somehow sub-human, not fit to live. Yet even those people I have represented who did what they were accused of - a surprisingly limited number - have always been much better people than their worst fifteen minutes, as are we all. Those who recognise this by reaching out to the men and women on death row are true heroes, though I suspect they gain as much as they give to the relationship."
Clive Stafford Smith OBE, Founder of Reprieve and Patron, Human Writes
"As a journalist who has lived and worked in the United States, the horror of death row is one of the issues that never leaves you. The thread of humanity that Human Writes manages to sustain with men and women on death row is a profound contribution to keep alive the hope of life. Capital punishment is now on the retreat in America, but the numbers awaiting their fate are still very considerable. I am very honoured to have become a Patron of Human Writes and will hope to do my best to put my shoulder to the wheel".
Jon Snow Broadcaster and journalist, Patron, Human Writes
"I know what it is like to live in a cell for decades and feel that the whole world hates you. I never expected to be able to live again as a contributing member of a community. Prison life was precarious and unpredictable but I met people who worked there who wanted to help me and people like me - and I'm lucky that I live in a society graceful enough to offer me a second chance. At least I had hope. Hope for many of the people supported by Human Writes has all but been extinguished. Letters to people on Death Row let them know that however low they may have fallen, they are still human beings. They still have value and are worth caring about and letters might just help to keep hope alive. That is why I am honoured to have been invited to be a patron."
Erwin James 1957 - 2024, author and Guardian columnist, Patron, Human Writes
Prisoner Art and Writing
"The volunteers of Human Writes seek to hold out the hand of friendship to men and women facing the death penalty. I am pleased to encourage them in their writing"
Most Reverend and Rt Hon George L Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury
"No matter its circumstances, dying is one of the most important things we ever do. I applaud all who offer compassion and hope to those facing death, especially in the terrible circumstances of Death Row. May God bless your work."
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster