Walking Home…
~John Hannan Kalispell, Montana
Montana State Prison is divided into two parts: the high security side and the low security side. A fence topped with separates the two classes of prisoners. There is no mixing of the populations. Convicted of a violent crime, I began my sentence on the high-side.
Soon after I arrived, I got a job in the kitchen. I started in the dishtank and in time worked my way up to Diet Cook. My helper and I were responsible for all special meals. It was a good job, and the pay was thirty cents an hour. Earning around $70 per month, I could easily support myself.
When our work was done, Willie and I were allowed to leave before the rest of the kitchen crew. One morning we left the dining hall around eleven o’ clock. It was a short walk back to the housing units.
On our way we spotted a group of civilians on what appeared to be a guided tour. College students by the looks of them, they were mostly young and an equal mix of both sexes. Visitors were not uncommon so we just kept walking.
As we drew near, I glanced at several of them. I was shocked to see a look of fear and apprehension on their faces. They stared at us as if we were sharks circling for the kill. Without a word or gesture, Willie and I walked past them then went ourseparatee ways.
As I continued to walk, I felt bad for both them and me. It was never my intention to scare anyone, though I obviously did. And although in prison, I did not consider myself a “monster,” though they must have thought I was.
Before this incident I thought of myself as an ordinary person who made a serious mistake. I was new to prison and still quite naive, I guess. That day I learned a valuable lesson on perception, just walking home.