Oh Auntie, I was just about to go into my apartment when this man pushed me down and yanked my purse from me. I’m ok Auntie, more scared than hurt. I couldn’t scream, I was that scared but my neighbor saw what happened and called the police. When the police came they weren’t very nice to me. I was asked all these questions about my living sitution like whether I had enough food in my refrigerator, did I wash and put away my breakfast dishes, did I eat breakfast and what was I planning to eat for dinner. The more the police asked me these questions the more upset I got. I kept asking the policeman what did all these questions have to do with my purse being stolen but I was told I had to answer all the questions if I wanted my purse back. The policeman got everything all mixed up. I told the police it was an older man in a blue sweater who robbed me. He kept asking me why a young teen aged boy in a green sweater with blue jeans would want to steal my backpack. Auntie, I kept repeating myself, telling him over and over again the same story but he kept insisiting I said it was a young man who stole my backpack.
Auntie, my keys were in the purse. I can’t afford to have my locks changed and you know the landlord, he won’t change the locks.
Auntie, please, when you get this letter, post a reply as soon as you can. I’ m all alone in this city and I don’t know what to do.
Your neice.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
BREAKING A LOCKE
JT,
I watched while they broke a locke today, rather while my Smith finally broke a locke.
He’s a real strange locke. He’s really quiet, minds his p’s and q’s, meditates at night when the Keys have locked us in, doesn’t eat meat, doensn’t talk much, keeps to himself a lot but always helps those of us when we need help.
The Keys called him out during roll call. We were told to go back inside and be quiet. The Keys worked on the locke, had him go thru all different calisthenics, running in place, jumping jacks, push ups, then they gathered around and started to call him names like baby, spoiled brat, nothing they did affected the kid. He stayed calm and did as told, without question, without any hesitation.
Then my Smith came, and I could tell she never liked this locke. She always treated him like garbage, humilating him and refusing to honor any of his requests. She watched while the Keys worked him over. I could tell the Keys were really impressed by this locke’s courage, so were some other Smiths who had come to watch.
My Smith walked over to the locke, couldn’t really hear what she was saying, something about a room, how she was going to lock him up in a room, all I could hear was room room room. The kid started to cry, the Smith started in on him about the room, so did the other Keys. The other Smiths walked away, shaking their heads. The Keys took the locke away.
Later, at dinner, I heard the Smiths were congratulating my Smith for showing how scared the locke really was.
I don’t know what the room is or where it is, but when the kid came back, he slept for 3 days straight. The Keys let him. Then when he woke up, he didn’t know where he was or who we were, but he was changed. He spoke in whispers and there’s something wrong with his neck, goes off to one side and he seems in a lot of pain. Also he doesn’t walk so well anymore.
Whatever happened to him in the room, JT, I don’t ever want to go there.
GET ME OUT OF HERE.
I watched while they broke a locke today, rather while my Smith finally broke a locke.
He’s a real strange locke. He’s really quiet, minds his p’s and q’s, meditates at night when the Keys have locked us in, doesn’t eat meat, doensn’t talk much, keeps to himself a lot but always helps those of us when we need help.
The Keys called him out during roll call. We were told to go back inside and be quiet. The Keys worked on the locke, had him go thru all different calisthenics, running in place, jumping jacks, push ups, then they gathered around and started to call him names like baby, spoiled brat, nothing they did affected the kid. He stayed calm and did as told, without question, without any hesitation.
Then my Smith came, and I could tell she never liked this locke. She always treated him like garbage, humilating him and refusing to honor any of his requests. She watched while the Keys worked him over. I could tell the Keys were really impressed by this locke’s courage, so were some other Smiths who had come to watch.
My Smith walked over to the locke, couldn’t really hear what she was saying, something about a room, how she was going to lock him up in a room, all I could hear was room room room. The kid started to cry, the Smith started in on him about the room, so did the other Keys. The other Smiths walked away, shaking their heads. The Keys took the locke away.
Later, at dinner, I heard the Smiths were congratulating my Smith for showing how scared the locke really was.
I don’t know what the room is or where it is, but when the kid came back, he slept for 3 days straight. The Keys let him. Then when he woke up, he didn’t know where he was or who we were, but he was changed. He spoke in whispers and there’s something wrong with his neck, goes off to one side and he seems in a lot of pain. Also he doesn’t walk so well anymore.
Whatever happened to him in the room, JT, I don’t ever want to go there.
GET ME OUT OF HERE.
TIED
JT,
You won’t believe what these Keys did to me. They tied me in a chair. I kept doing as taught when I got mad, walk away from the situation. Well, the Keys tied me to a chair and had the Key who was provoking me “confront” me with my anger.
I’m not used to being treated this way. I told the Smith later how I was taught and it worked for me. I was told it didn’t work because I tried to kill myself, so I needed to learn how to deal with my anger.
I told the Smith why I wanted to die. I told her about ma and pa and how they were, how they treated me, how they controlled every thing I said or did, how pa even tried to control what I thought. I told Smith how pa always told me he’d know what I did or said and thought no matter where I was, how old I was, whether he was alive or dead. I told her how terrorized and scared of father I am.
I told her how mother always told me to shut up, that she blamed me for everything that went wrong in the family. The Smith smiled at me and told me I needed to be started on these drugs.
These drugs JT, I hate them. She gave me these little pills and the Keys watch, make me open my mouth, lift up my tongue, one Key even put his finger in my mouth after I took my pills and felt all around. What the heck????
I’m really groggy these days, want to sleep all the time but when I do, the Keys get mad and threaten to give me the treatment. So far I’ve managed to stay awake with the help of the other kids. Some of them watch out for me, let me nap during work periods. They wake me up when a Key is coming. I’m finding these kids are really nice. They’re teaching me how to survive in camp. I’m learning a lot, and I know ma and pa won’t like what I’m learning. Neither would the Keys or my Smith.
The kids are helping me clean my plate now. I get so much food that I can’t eat it all, so the kids sit really close by and when the Keys aren’t watching, take food off my plate.
I couldn’t survive the camp if it wasn’t for the other lockes here.
GET ME OUT OF HERE.
You won’t believe what these Keys did to me. They tied me in a chair. I kept doing as taught when I got mad, walk away from the situation. Well, the Keys tied me to a chair and had the Key who was provoking me “confront” me with my anger.
I’m not used to being treated this way. I told the Smith later how I was taught and it worked for me. I was told it didn’t work because I tried to kill myself, so I needed to learn how to deal with my anger.
I told the Smith why I wanted to die. I told her about ma and pa and how they were, how they treated me, how they controlled every thing I said or did, how pa even tried to control what I thought. I told Smith how pa always told me he’d know what I did or said and thought no matter where I was, how old I was, whether he was alive or dead. I told her how terrorized and scared of father I am.
I told her how mother always told me to shut up, that she blamed me for everything that went wrong in the family. The Smith smiled at me and told me I needed to be started on these drugs.
These drugs JT, I hate them. She gave me these little pills and the Keys watch, make me open my mouth, lift up my tongue, one Key even put his finger in my mouth after I took my pills and felt all around. What the heck????
I’m really groggy these days, want to sleep all the time but when I do, the Keys get mad and threaten to give me the treatment. So far I’ve managed to stay awake with the help of the other kids. Some of them watch out for me, let me nap during work periods. They wake me up when a Key is coming. I’m finding these kids are really nice. They’re teaching me how to survive in camp. I’m learning a lot, and I know ma and pa won’t like what I’m learning. Neither would the Keys or my Smith.
The kids are helping me clean my plate now. I get so much food that I can’t eat it all, so the kids sit really close by and when the Keys aren’t watching, take food off my plate.
I couldn’t survive the camp if it wasn’t for the other lockes here.
GET ME OUT OF HERE.
THE VISIT
JT,
I can’t believe it, guess who came to visit, ma and pa. Boy were they on their best behavior. I’ve never seen them act so nice and so politely. Inquired how I was doing, how I was getting along, pa even pulled out his wallet and gave the Key who was monitoring our visit, a wad of money for me to use at the canteen. Pa has never been so generous before.
Ma started to cry. She said I looked awful. I was told I needed to cooperate with the Keys, needed to learn as much as I can from them so I can come home. Come home? I want to be placed out of my home.
My Smith showed up, all prim and proper. I smell a skunk. A low down dirty stinking skunk. It was clear she was impressed by my parents. She catered to them cooed and oohed an ahhed over whatever they said or did. I’ve never seen my parents put on such a snow job before. I could tell everything I told the Smith was being disproved. Everything I had told her about my childhood, the parents were telling her a totally different story.
I don’t think I’m going to get out of here any time soon.
Gone Forever
I can’t believe it, guess who came to visit, ma and pa. Boy were they on their best behavior. I’ve never seen them act so nice and so politely. Inquired how I was doing, how I was getting along, pa even pulled out his wallet and gave the Key who was monitoring our visit, a wad of money for me to use at the canteen. Pa has never been so generous before.
Ma started to cry. She said I looked awful. I was told I needed to cooperate with the Keys, needed to learn as much as I can from them so I can come home. Come home? I want to be placed out of my home.
My Smith showed up, all prim and proper. I smell a skunk. A low down dirty stinking skunk. It was clear she was impressed by my parents. She catered to them cooed and oohed an ahhed over whatever they said or did. I’ve never seen my parents put on such a snow job before. I could tell everything I told the Smith was being disproved. Everything I had told her about my childhood, the parents were telling her a totally different story.
I don’t think I’m going to get out of here any time soon.
Gone Forever
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The First Meeting
I first met Kao at the coffee house. I was having problems with my translation and had given up in disgust. I felt a tap on my shoulder and heard a slight cough. “Excuse me. I noticed you are reading some books from my Old Country.”
Astonished I looked up and there was this wizened old man, stooped with the weight of his life, looking at me with kind eyes. I mumbled a muffled, “Yes, I’m trying to translate some of these passages as part of my homework.” He asked to sit by me. I pulled my book bag off the chair and gestured him to sit. Awkardly he sat and asked if he may look thru them. He sighed, “It has been a long time since I have read these books. They are banned in my country.”
We sat in silence for awhile. I didn’t know what to say or what to do. He just sat there. Finally he sighed and said, “I’m sorry for bothering you. Excuse me please.” So polite. I told him he was no bother, asked him if he would like to borrow one or two of my books. A light came into his eyes and he quietly replied he would be most grateful for the loan.
That was our first meeting. I didn’t know his name though I had often seen him at the coffee house. He was always alone, sat in the same place each time I saw him. I had exchanged nods but this was the first time we talked. I was eager to meet him the next day and ask him about the two books he borrowed. I thought to myself, what a treasure, someone who could help me with the translations. Little did I know my life was changed with this meeting.
Astonished I looked up and there was this wizened old man, stooped with the weight of his life, looking at me with kind eyes. I mumbled a muffled, “Yes, I’m trying to translate some of these passages as part of my homework.” He asked to sit by me. I pulled my book bag off the chair and gestured him to sit. Awkardly he sat and asked if he may look thru them. He sighed, “It has been a long time since I have read these books. They are banned in my country.”
We sat in silence for awhile. I didn’t know what to say or what to do. He just sat there. Finally he sighed and said, “I’m sorry for bothering you. Excuse me please.” So polite. I told him he was no bother, asked him if he would like to borrow one or two of my books. A light came into his eyes and he quietly replied he would be most grateful for the loan.
That was our first meeting. I didn’t know his name though I had often seen him at the coffee house. He was always alone, sat in the same place each time I saw him. I had exchanged nods but this was the first time we talked. I was eager to meet him the next day and ask him about the two books he borrowed. I thought to myself, what a treasure, someone who could help me with the translations. Little did I know my life was changed with this meeting.
My Name is Kao
The next day was rainy. I waited but the old man never showed up. I was disappointed and a little distressed. The two books I had lent him were expensive and I didn’t have much money to spare let alone buy another copy of those books. I thought to myself, what a fool I was to have lent him the books. I should have known better. I slammed shut the book I was translating when I heard a familiar little cough and a tap on my shoulder. It was the old man.
He smiled, shyly and said, “Sorry, but I wanted to finish reading the books before I came. Here, thank you for lending me the books.” Ashamed I muttered a short utterance of nonsense. He sat down and we just sat there, in silence.
I looked at the old man. He was slight in build, strong shoulders and back, but a delicate nature. His fingers were narrow and straight, very fine.
He wore a patched blue sweater. I saw one of his pockets was torn and reached into my bag, pulled out some thread and a needle. I asked him if I could sew up his torn pocket. He gazed at me, his brown eyes looking into mine. Slowly he took off his sweater and said, “I’d be most grateful.”
I stitched up his pocket and handed the sweater back to him. I was complimented on a fine sewing job, with a little chuckle he extended his hand and said, “My name is dead letter Kao.” I gasped as he got up and left.
He smiled, shyly and said, “Sorry, but I wanted to finish reading the books before I came. Here, thank you for lending me the books.” Ashamed I muttered a short utterance of nonsense. He sat down and we just sat there, in silence.
I looked at the old man. He was slight in build, strong shoulders and back, but a delicate nature. His fingers were narrow and straight, very fine.
He wore a patched blue sweater. I saw one of his pockets was torn and reached into my bag, pulled out some thread and a needle. I asked him if I could sew up his torn pocket. He gazed at me, his brown eyes looking into mine. Slowly he took off his sweater and said, “I’d be most grateful.”
I stitched up his pocket and handed the sweater back to him. I was complimented on a fine sewing job, with a little chuckle he extended his hand and said, “My name is dead letter Kao.” I gasped as he got up and left.
Dead Letter Kao
I was eager to meet Dead Letter Kao again. What an opportunity I selfishly thought. Help, at last with these translations.
The next day was bright and sunny. I sat in my usual spot in the coffee house and Kao came and sat next to me. I was offered an apple. I thanked him and cut it in half, giving him half and crunching on my half. He looked at me oddly and quietly ate his half.
“Politeness in one so young. That is such a treasure.” I laughed and told him my mother was very strict, insisting I learn proper manners. He laughed and said, “Good mother.”
I had many little exchanges like this during the next two months. He sometimes brought an apple, sometimes an orange. I would be told very little about him, but somehow I told him a lot about me. I was always listened to politely and calmly. He would nod his head and say, “Good mother”, or “Good father”, and get up and leave.
I never knew him to say much, but I often thought he has a lot to say.
One particular day I was struggling with my translation. I was frustrated and showed it. I was offered an orange and visciously tore it apart. He looked at me and said, “Trouble?”
I said yes, very much so. I just don’t understand what I’m doing. The words don’t make any sense. I need to have this done by tonight or I’ll be in trouble. I’ve been working on this piece for a long time and it just doesn’t make sense.
He politely said nothing. I fumed, wasn’t he going to help me. I wondered what I’d have to do to ask him for help. Then I decided, I’ll just ask for his help, all he can say is no. I did just that, I said, “Kao, can you help me.”
He gave me a quick grin and reached over to read what I had written.
This was the start of a life long friendship.
The next day was bright and sunny. I sat in my usual spot in the coffee house and Kao came and sat next to me. I was offered an apple. I thanked him and cut it in half, giving him half and crunching on my half. He looked at me oddly and quietly ate his half.
“Politeness in one so young. That is such a treasure.” I laughed and told him my mother was very strict, insisting I learn proper manners. He laughed and said, “Good mother.”
I had many little exchanges like this during the next two months. He sometimes brought an apple, sometimes an orange. I would be told very little about him, but somehow I told him a lot about me. I was always listened to politely and calmly. He would nod his head and say, “Good mother”, or “Good father”, and get up and leave.
I never knew him to say much, but I often thought he has a lot to say.
One particular day I was struggling with my translation. I was frustrated and showed it. I was offered an orange and visciously tore it apart. He looked at me and said, “Trouble?”
I said yes, very much so. I just don’t understand what I’m doing. The words don’t make any sense. I need to have this done by tonight or I’ll be in trouble. I’ve been working on this piece for a long time and it just doesn’t make sense.
He politely said nothing. I fumed, wasn’t he going to help me. I wondered what I’d have to do to ask him for help. Then I decided, I’ll just ask for his help, all he can say is no. I did just that, I said, “Kao, can you help me.”
He gave me a quick grin and reached over to read what I had written.
This was the start of a life long friendship.
How He Got HIs Name
I said, Teacher Kao, why do you call yourself Dead Letter Kao? He sighed and put down his cup.
This is the story of Dead Letter Kao:
Iin his country he was a scholar, a teacher of the arts. The Change came and he was sent to a remote town to work in the communications office reading dead letters.
His job was to read these letters and find a way to post them to the people who they were meant for. He worked long hours. There wasn’t much light, warmth or comfort. He had a rickety old desk, a broken backed chair and an occasional cup of cold tea. There were many letters and he had to sort thru them to find where to send them.
I sat there, astonished, from a scholar to reading dead letters. What a tragedy. He smiled and said, “No, quite the opposite. I grew to know some of the people thru their letters. A lot of the letters I had to throw away, but I kept a few that touched my heart.”
He suddenly got up without a word and left. I thought I saw tears in his eyes before he turned away and left.
That was the story behind his name.
This is the story of Dead Letter Kao:
Iin his country he was a scholar, a teacher of the arts. The Change came and he was sent to a remote town to work in the communications office reading dead letters.
His job was to read these letters and find a way to post them to the people who they were meant for. He worked long hours. There wasn’t much light, warmth or comfort. He had a rickety old desk, a broken backed chair and an occasional cup of cold tea. There were many letters and he had to sort thru them to find where to send them.
I sat there, astonished, from a scholar to reading dead letters. What a tragedy. He smiled and said, “No, quite the opposite. I grew to know some of the people thru their letters. A lot of the letters I had to throw away, but I kept a few that touched my heart.”
He suddenly got up without a word and left. I thought I saw tears in his eyes before he turned away and left.
That was the story behind his name.
Little Kao
I didn’t see Teacher Kao the next day, or the day after, or the day after that. I thought to myself I must have said or done something wrong. I cursed myself, I should have been like him and said nothing. Me and my big mouth. I was always told not to speak so much and here I did just that, spoke too much and I made Kao mad at me.
At that instant I heard the familiar cough and felt the tap on my shoulder, Kao had returned. I smiled and we ate the apple he brought.
Kao looked nervous. The first time he seemed uncomfortable. I sat there in silence and waited.
He asked me how my translating was progressing. I said better now that he was helping me. I was handed a worn blue piece of paper. I took it and opened it. I saw it was a letter. I looked at him and he said, ‘This young man has a way with words. I thought you’d find it more interesting to translate then these old writers.”
He got up and left rather hurriedly. I put down mycup and started to read the letter.
The next day when I met with Kao I told him I had showed the translation of the letter to my teacher and he wanted me to work on transalting more of these dead letters. Kao shifted nervously in his seat. I thought quickly. I said, “Kao, may I have your permission to translate these letters? I promise I won’t use the names, places, dates or anything that could identify the writer or the receiver in any of my translations.” Kao looked relieved and said, “Yes, that would be most agreeable.”
This is how I became Little Kao.
At that instant I heard the familiar cough and felt the tap on my shoulder, Kao had returned. I smiled and we ate the apple he brought.
Kao looked nervous. The first time he seemed uncomfortable. I sat there in silence and waited.
He asked me how my translating was progressing. I said better now that he was helping me. I was handed a worn blue piece of paper. I took it and opened it. I saw it was a letter. I looked at him and he said, ‘This young man has a way with words. I thought you’d find it more interesting to translate then these old writers.”
He got up and left rather hurriedly. I put down mycup and started to read the letter.
The next day when I met with Kao I told him I had showed the translation of the letter to my teacher and he wanted me to work on transalting more of these dead letters. Kao shifted nervously in his seat. I thought quickly. I said, “Kao, may I have your permission to translate these letters? I promise I won’t use the names, places, dates or anything that could identify the writer or the receiver in any of my translations.” Kao looked relieved and said, “Yes, that would be most agreeable.”
This is how I became Little Kao.
JT
Dear JT,
I arrived at camp safe and sound. The ride was long and boring. I’ve been processed along with the other kids.
JT, I’m not like any of these kids here. They’re from the South side and I can’t relate to them. Lots of these kids are here cuz they’ve run away too many times or done drugs, some of the girls are prostitutes. We don’t speak the same language, have anything similar other than we’re all angry and incarcerated for our anger.
The place is a dump, the beds stink and the bathrooms are an abomination. They have this room which the kids tell me never get put in, it’s horrible. They say the Keys have ways of teaching us Locks how to behave, if I don’t show proper deference, better watch out. I’m being very careful here JT, this place is scary. I don’t know how long I’ll be here, it’lll be short I hope. I hope I don’t have to go back home, I hope they send me far away from ma and pa, you know how they are, but no one seems to believe me, at least the ones they call the Keys. I got assigned to a Smith. She seems pretty nice, we’re supposed to meet once a day to talk, talk about what I wonder. Anyway I met her today and she seems nice, but she’s odd. Kept looking at my feet. She asked me all these questions concerning my feet. I thought we were supposed to talk about why I was angry and did what I did, but she kept wanting to talk about my feet, can’t figure the woman.
The days are boring. We get up, straighten our rooms, then we eat. The food stinks. I’m expected to eat everyting they give me cuz I’m so underweight. I got yelled at for not eating everything and given extra work. School is a farce it’s nothing like the school I was going to. School, they ought to call it kindergarten. I’m surprised, most of the kids can barely add or subtract, they aren’t interested in school at all.
The Keys always have us playnig some sort of game. Volleyball is really big here. They have these meetings which are so ridiculous. It’s so obvious it’s set up so the Keys can boss us around, tell us how bad we are and how we need to change. I hate this camp and can hardly wait and be placed.
More later,
Fondly,
arte
I arrived at camp safe and sound. The ride was long and boring. I’ve been processed along with the other kids.
JT, I’m not like any of these kids here. They’re from the South side and I can’t relate to them. Lots of these kids are here cuz they’ve run away too many times or done drugs, some of the girls are prostitutes. We don’t speak the same language, have anything similar other than we’re all angry and incarcerated for our anger.
The place is a dump, the beds stink and the bathrooms are an abomination. They have this room which the kids tell me never get put in, it’s horrible. They say the Keys have ways of teaching us Locks how to behave, if I don’t show proper deference, better watch out. I’m being very careful here JT, this place is scary. I don’t know how long I’ll be here, it’lll be short I hope. I hope I don’t have to go back home, I hope they send me far away from ma and pa, you know how they are, but no one seems to believe me, at least the ones they call the Keys. I got assigned to a Smith. She seems pretty nice, we’re supposed to meet once a day to talk, talk about what I wonder. Anyway I met her today and she seems nice, but she’s odd. Kept looking at my feet. She asked me all these questions concerning my feet. I thought we were supposed to talk about why I was angry and did what I did, but she kept wanting to talk about my feet, can’t figure the woman.
The days are boring. We get up, straighten our rooms, then we eat. The food stinks. I’m expected to eat everyting they give me cuz I’m so underweight. I got yelled at for not eating everything and given extra work. School is a farce it’s nothing like the school I was going to. School, they ought to call it kindergarten. I’m surprised, most of the kids can barely add or subtract, they aren’t interested in school at all.
The Keys always have us playnig some sort of game. Volleyball is really big here. They have these meetings which are so ridiculous. It’s so obvious it’s set up so the Keys can boss us around, tell us how bad we are and how we need to change. I hate this camp and can hardly wait and be placed.
More later,
Fondly,
arte
JT,
Get me the hell out of here. They’re driving me nuts. They took away my eyeglasses. Told me I could see good enough and I was faking everything. I was accused of being able to see when my eyesight is a –12 in both eyes plus I got an astigmatism in the left eye. I can’t see worth beans without my glasses. The dumb Key wanted me to write down my menu for the day, handed me a pen and paper and stood there while I tried to write. I couldn’t see good enough so didn’t write very well. I got punished with extra chores for making a mess of my day’s menu.
I kept bumping into things and the Keys stood around and laughed. Finally I had to walk witih one hand extended before me and the other trailing along a wall, the fence, anything to guide me and these fool Keys still said I was faking not being able to see.
The Smith did’nt do anything. She sat there and told me I wasn’t going to get any special privileges if I kept faking not being able to see. This pretending to be blind was just plain foolishness and I wasn’t going to be permitted to play this game on them anymore.
I pleaded with the Keys and my Smith to give me back my glasses but they told me I really didn’t need them, I could see very well without. Finally a new Smith was on duty that night and gave me back my glasses. He wrote an extensive note, don’t know what he said but I got my glasses back and no one has told me to stop faking.
This place is driving me nuts. RESCUE ME PLEASE.
A Locke.
Get me the hell out of here. They’re driving me nuts. They took away my eyeglasses. Told me I could see good enough and I was faking everything. I was accused of being able to see when my eyesight is a –12 in both eyes plus I got an astigmatism in the left eye. I can’t see worth beans without my glasses. The dumb Key wanted me to write down my menu for the day, handed me a pen and paper and stood there while I tried to write. I couldn’t see good enough so didn’t write very well. I got punished with extra chores for making a mess of my day’s menu.
I kept bumping into things and the Keys stood around and laughed. Finally I had to walk witih one hand extended before me and the other trailing along a wall, the fence, anything to guide me and these fool Keys still said I was faking not being able to see.
The Smith did’nt do anything. She sat there and told me I wasn’t going to get any special privileges if I kept faking not being able to see. This pretending to be blind was just plain foolishness and I wasn’t going to be permitted to play this game on them anymore.
I pleaded with the Keys and my Smith to give me back my glasses but they told me I really didn’t need them, I could see very well without. Finally a new Smith was on duty that night and gave me back my glasses. He wrote an extensive note, don’t know what he said but I got my glasses back and no one has told me to stop faking.
This place is driving me nuts. RESCUE ME PLEASE.
A Locke.
They found my diary JT. They stole my personal diary and read it. I got called before the Smiths, all of them and they demanded to know what right did I have to say what I wrote in my personal diary. I was put on restriction, I had to have everything approved before I could do anything, even going to the latrine. They took my clothes away and gave me this paper gown and paper slippers. I had to eat bread and water for a long time. I was made to scrub the bathroom floor with a toothbrush and a bottle of cleanser. They wouldn’t let me sleep until I scurubbed the entire floor. I don’t know how many days I had to do this. After awhile one Key thought I wasn’t’ contrite enough so I had to scrub all the toilets with my toothbrush and cleanser until he was satisfied they were clean. I never could satisfy him JT. I didn’t get much sleep for a long time. and whenever a kid used the toilet I had to rescrub that toilet. The Keys aren’t human. They appear human on the outside, but inside they are unfeeling montsters.
I don’t understand. I thought I had rights, a right to privacy. It says so right in their rulebook they are so quick to quote to me all the time. They have no right to treat me this way. They were wrong to read my diary without my permission but I got punished.
There’s stuff going on that just isn’t right. There’re people walking around looking like zombies. They talk funny too, slur their words and spittle comes out of their mouths. There’s other guys here that act weird, all shaking and grimacing and grunting all the time. You ought to hear them grunting, it’s disgusting.
Something’s wrong with the long term lockes here JT. They get called in the middle of the night. The Keys come and take them from the barracks and they come back a week later with their eyes glazed over and get this, they don’t remember any of us, our names, nothing.
Then there was a locke who disappeared one night. They did bed check and he couldn’t be found. They searched everywhere and the next day the head Smith came from the Quarters and I had my first strip search. They took me in a room, had me strip off my clothes, then examined every hole, every crevice in me. Poked me up my bum they did,. I wouldn’t let them, but they bent me over and poked their finger in me and felt around. The Smith wasn’t gentle about it either.
Later I found out they were looking for drugs. I don’t do drugs JT. Never did so why was I being treated like that. I never was so humiliated. I had to give a pee sample. They watched me as I peed in a cup.
What is this place anyway. I never saw the locke who they were looking for. Some of his friends said they saw his parents at the gate and the mother was crying. Everyone was real quiet for a long time.
I don’t know what this place really is, but it’s not a nice place to be in. It looks nice, with plants and gardens and nice walks and the buildings look nice on the outside, but inside they’re really snake pits.
There’s a smell I can’t descirbe but it makes me sick. It’s worse in the latrines, which by the way, the toilets are always leaking and overflowing. We get promised they’d get fixed but they never do.
I didn’t want to take a shower. The showers got mold growing all over inside. plus they stink. I got threatened with the treatment, whatever that means, if I didn’t shower reguarly. I shower every day now cuz one of the lockes told me it’s better to obey no matter what.
The Keys aren’t very nice anymore. They use subtle threats and hidden intimidation to get their way. If I still don’t hop to it fast enough, I’ll get the treatment, whatvever that means. I’m starting to be afraid of what that means. I see the biggest bully quiet down when threatened with the treatment. Then there’s the Royal treatment and no one will even tell me a hint of what that might be.
I’m scaerd JT. If the people who sent me here really knew what goes on here, but what if they do and they still send kids like me here.
Scared JT, scared.
Locke
I don’t understand. I thought I had rights, a right to privacy. It says so right in their rulebook they are so quick to quote to me all the time. They have no right to treat me this way. They were wrong to read my diary without my permission but I got punished.
There’s stuff going on that just isn’t right. There’re people walking around looking like zombies. They talk funny too, slur their words and spittle comes out of their mouths. There’s other guys here that act weird, all shaking and grimacing and grunting all the time. You ought to hear them grunting, it’s disgusting.
Something’s wrong with the long term lockes here JT. They get called in the middle of the night. The Keys come and take them from the barracks and they come back a week later with their eyes glazed over and get this, they don’t remember any of us, our names, nothing.
Then there was a locke who disappeared one night. They did bed check and he couldn’t be found. They searched everywhere and the next day the head Smith came from the Quarters and I had my first strip search. They took me in a room, had me strip off my clothes, then examined every hole, every crevice in me. Poked me up my bum they did,. I wouldn’t let them, but they bent me over and poked their finger in me and felt around. The Smith wasn’t gentle about it either.
Later I found out they were looking for drugs. I don’t do drugs JT. Never did so why was I being treated like that. I never was so humiliated. I had to give a pee sample. They watched me as I peed in a cup.
What is this place anyway. I never saw the locke who they were looking for. Some of his friends said they saw his parents at the gate and the mother was crying. Everyone was real quiet for a long time.
I don’t know what this place really is, but it’s not a nice place to be in. It looks nice, with plants and gardens and nice walks and the buildings look nice on the outside, but inside they’re really snake pits.
There’s a smell I can’t descirbe but it makes me sick. It’s worse in the latrines, which by the way, the toilets are always leaking and overflowing. We get promised they’d get fixed but they never do.
I didn’t want to take a shower. The showers got mold growing all over inside. plus they stink. I got threatened with the treatment, whatever that means, if I didn’t shower reguarly. I shower every day now cuz one of the lockes told me it’s better to obey no matter what.
The Keys aren’t very nice anymore. They use subtle threats and hidden intimidation to get their way. If I still don’t hop to it fast enough, I’ll get the treatment, whatvever that means. I’m starting to be afraid of what that means. I see the biggest bully quiet down when threatened with the treatment. Then there’s the Royal treatment and no one will even tell me a hint of what that might be.
I’m scaerd JT. If the people who sent me here really knew what goes on here, but what if they do and they still send kids like me here.
Scared JT, scared.
Locke
Hey Gyp,
Wasn’t that photographer mad at us? It wasn’t our fault, we did yell and scream and did everything we could to make her move out of the way. It wasn’t our fault we plowed our sled right into her. She sure got mad at us, wrecked her camera, got her all wet, and she sure didn’t like us laughing at her. I almost split a gut I was laughing so hard.
What a picture that would have made. The look on her face when she realized we were heading right towards her. She thought we were joking but we weren’t.
Then remember how the two of us crashed into her in the bumper car rink? She sure was mad at us. Said we had no respect for the older generation.
I remember we surrounded her and she was laughing and having a ball until first you, then me, banged into her. All of a sudden she quit laughing. She sure was sore at us that day.
What a day, I never remember laughing so hard or so much. Showed the older generation a thing or two. Maybe they’ll show a little more respect for the younger generation.
Her husband threw up all over himself when he ate that hot dog. Thought she was going to kill him. I’ve never seen a couple not get along. In public too. What a shame, what kind of role model are they giving us younger folk. I never heard such language in my life. The two of them were pretty silly, yelling at each other and throwing the napkins and hot dogs at each other. I think of one of those head shrinkers saw them acting like that, they would have been locked away in the local looney bin.
What a day, what a day.
Yours in mischief,
The Clown
Wasn’t that photographer mad at us? It wasn’t our fault, we did yell and scream and did everything we could to make her move out of the way. It wasn’t our fault we plowed our sled right into her. She sure got mad at us, wrecked her camera, got her all wet, and she sure didn’t like us laughing at her. I almost split a gut I was laughing so hard.
What a picture that would have made. The look on her face when she realized we were heading right towards her. She thought we were joking but we weren’t.
Then remember how the two of us crashed into her in the bumper car rink? She sure was mad at us. Said we had no respect for the older generation.
I remember we surrounded her and she was laughing and having a ball until first you, then me, banged into her. All of a sudden she quit laughing. She sure was sore at us that day.
What a day, I never remember laughing so hard or so much. Showed the older generation a thing or two. Maybe they’ll show a little more respect for the younger generation.
Her husband threw up all over himself when he ate that hot dog. Thought she was going to kill him. I’ve never seen a couple not get along. In public too. What a shame, what kind of role model are they giving us younger folk. I never heard such language in my life. The two of them were pretty silly, yelling at each other and throwing the napkins and hot dogs at each other. I think of one of those head shrinkers saw them acting like that, they would have been locked away in the local looney bin.
What a day, what a day.
Yours in mischief,
The Clown
My Dearest Too,
I loved you the first time I saw you. You stole my heart sitting there so petite and quiet. You were such a little lady. I wanted to know you and grow old with you. I knew we were made for each other.
You’ve enriched my life and gave me such love, love that I never think I will feel again. I know you entered not only my heart, but also my soul.
The last day at the hospital I thought I could never let you go. You hung on to life with such a love for life yet you were always so ill. You fought your illness despite al the nasty treatments you had to go thru. I remember when you had to have the series of injections in your belly how you took each injection without a sound and even gave the nurse a smile afterwards. We all knew how much those injections hurt you, but you were so good, so brave.
You faced your death with such quiet bravery. You slipped from life just as softly as quietly as water slips on and off the shore.
I’m sure you found your way to the Rainbow Bridge and when I die we will be reunited there.
I miss you my love. I know you’re at peace. Rest well my love and wait for me on the Rainbow Bridge.
Because of you I learned to love. Because of you I learned to open my heart, to risk, to dare to care. Because of you I became alive. What was dead inside found life because of you.
I miss you, my love.
Yours forever,
Maj
I loved you the first time I saw you. You stole my heart sitting there so petite and quiet. You were such a little lady. I wanted to know you and grow old with you. I knew we were made for each other.
You’ve enriched my life and gave me such love, love that I never think I will feel again. I know you entered not only my heart, but also my soul.
The last day at the hospital I thought I could never let you go. You hung on to life with such a love for life yet you were always so ill. You fought your illness despite al the nasty treatments you had to go thru. I remember when you had to have the series of injections in your belly how you took each injection without a sound and even gave the nurse a smile afterwards. We all knew how much those injections hurt you, but you were so good, so brave.
You faced your death with such quiet bravery. You slipped from life just as softly as quietly as water slips on and off the shore.
I’m sure you found your way to the Rainbow Bridge and when I die we will be reunited there.
I miss you my love. I know you’re at peace. Rest well my love and wait for me on the Rainbow Bridge.
Because of you I learned to love. Because of you I learned to open my heart, to risk, to dare to care. Because of you I became alive. What was dead inside found life because of you.
I miss you, my love.
Yours forever,
Maj
To Whom It May Concern:
This is in regards to shipment #A190. I received the package today and I want to thank you for the prompt delivery. However I ordered three of the items and only one came. If you could look into this matter for me I would appreciate it very much.
Thank you very much,
Sincerely,
Agent 245
This is in regards to shipment #A190. I received the package today and I want to thank you for the prompt delivery. However I ordered three of the items and only one came. If you could look into this matter for me I would appreciate it very much.
Thank you very much,
Sincerely,
Agent 245
Hey Bro,
What a day. I never thought it’d end. Up at dawn for the race, then the dinner. Wow, could you believe pops? He was sure acting up again. I wish he wouldn’t drink so much especially when he has the long drive home and won’t let mums drive part way. I worry about him especially now that’s he’s older and getting cramps in his legs. I heard mums say he sometimes has to pull over to the side of the road and rest, the cramps hit him that bad. I hope that he doesn’t get a cramp when he’s driving across the bridge. So far he’s been ok, but there might come a time, who knows.
Mums was beautiful, yes? She was looking good and the babes, aren’t they just growing? I can remember when the twins were just babes in swaddling clothes, now they’re up and running around, getting in everybody’s way but sister and hubby are so good with the twins. I can see their family really had a good time.
Mums has really blossomed since the twins came. I’ve never seen her so happy. She really can spoil the twins can’t she. She is so patient with them, so understandinig, I wonder where she got such patience. I remember how she used to yell and scream at you and me, boy we were a handful weren’t we. You had that terrible time with the bee sting, thought you were going to die. Father got you help right quick that day, carried you to the doctor and cared for you so well. You were so scared you wouldn’t talk to anyone, just cried and screamed then all of sudden got real quiet. You sure were weird that day. I remember the doc wanted to put in the hospital just for observation but father insisted you’d be better off with him and mums. You looked so scared, the doc looked at you and I could tell he felt sorry for you. He insisted when we got back home that you have a thorough physical to make sure you were a-ok.
Remember how you screamed and carried on when they took you to that doctor? I thought they were going to die from embarrassement. I just have to laugh. Nothing they did could shut you up. The poor doctor, she tried everything to make you smile, to stop you from crying. When she had to give you that injection in your butt I knew that was it, no way were you going to hold still. It took mums, Father and the nurse plus the receptionist to hold you down before the doc could give you that shot. Boy you yelled your head off.
I remember the doc made you walk out with her and hold her hand. I saw that you were mad, maybe I was the only one who knew how mad you were. I think the parents were glad you were ok and didn’t have to go back for another visit.
Remember how father got drunk that night? I found him sitting alone in the living room just staring at nothing. I asked him what was wrong but he was so drunk he did’t even know I was there. I finally left him alone, that’s always was the best thing to do.
Wasn’t that race just the pits. Imagine, a girl won. After all the training you did, bested by a girl. Too bad, but next year I bet you’ll show the broad up.
Young Bro
What a day. I never thought it’d end. Up at dawn for the race, then the dinner. Wow, could you believe pops? He was sure acting up again. I wish he wouldn’t drink so much especially when he has the long drive home and won’t let mums drive part way. I worry about him especially now that’s he’s older and getting cramps in his legs. I heard mums say he sometimes has to pull over to the side of the road and rest, the cramps hit him that bad. I hope that he doesn’t get a cramp when he’s driving across the bridge. So far he’s been ok, but there might come a time, who knows.
Mums was beautiful, yes? She was looking good and the babes, aren’t they just growing? I can remember when the twins were just babes in swaddling clothes, now they’re up and running around, getting in everybody’s way but sister and hubby are so good with the twins. I can see their family really had a good time.
Mums has really blossomed since the twins came. I’ve never seen her so happy. She really can spoil the twins can’t she. She is so patient with them, so understandinig, I wonder where she got such patience. I remember how she used to yell and scream at you and me, boy we were a handful weren’t we. You had that terrible time with the bee sting, thought you were going to die. Father got you help right quick that day, carried you to the doctor and cared for you so well. You were so scared you wouldn’t talk to anyone, just cried and screamed then all of sudden got real quiet. You sure were weird that day. I remember the doc wanted to put in the hospital just for observation but father insisted you’d be better off with him and mums. You looked so scared, the doc looked at you and I could tell he felt sorry for you. He insisted when we got back home that you have a thorough physical to make sure you were a-ok.
Remember how you screamed and carried on when they took you to that doctor? I thought they were going to die from embarrassement. I just have to laugh. Nothing they did could shut you up. The poor doctor, she tried everything to make you smile, to stop you from crying. When she had to give you that injection in your butt I knew that was it, no way were you going to hold still. It took mums, Father and the nurse plus the receptionist to hold you down before the doc could give you that shot. Boy you yelled your head off.
I remember the doc made you walk out with her and hold her hand. I saw that you were mad, maybe I was the only one who knew how mad you were. I think the parents were glad you were ok and didn’t have to go back for another visit.
Remember how father got drunk that night? I found him sitting alone in the living room just staring at nothing. I asked him what was wrong but he was so drunk he did’t even know I was there. I finally left him alone, that’s always was the best thing to do.
Wasn’t that race just the pits. Imagine, a girl won. After all the training you did, bested by a girl. Too bad, but next year I bet you’ll show the broad up.
Young Bro
Dear Auntie Sy,
I had such a good time this weekend with you. Your roast chicken was excellent, as usual, my favorite. Thanks for going thru all the trouble. I know it’s a lot of work and I appreciate it. I get the cafeteria food all the time so a home cooked meal is a real treat.
The Festival of Cranes is my favorite festival and I was so happy I could spend it with you. It’s a time to renew the peace within, and spending the weekend with you has given me much peace within.
My studies are going well, I should be done with them this summer. I hope to go abroad to finish my studies, maybe to America. I hear they have an excellent University and I have applied but have not heard. I have high hopes as my grades are good and I have three professors write me recommendations.
I hope you like the chest I made for you. I was able to finish it in time for the Festival. I’m glad I could give it to you as my Festival gift to you. I don’t know if you saw, but I carved a crane on the inner lid. May the chest bring you much happiness.
Your nephew,
Woodworker Carl
I had such a good time this weekend with you. Your roast chicken was excellent, as usual, my favorite. Thanks for going thru all the trouble. I know it’s a lot of work and I appreciate it. I get the cafeteria food all the time so a home cooked meal is a real treat.
The Festival of Cranes is my favorite festival and I was so happy I could spend it with you. It’s a time to renew the peace within, and spending the weekend with you has given me much peace within.
My studies are going well, I should be done with them this summer. I hope to go abroad to finish my studies, maybe to America. I hear they have an excellent University and I have applied but have not heard. I have high hopes as my grades are good and I have three professors write me recommendations.
I hope you like the chest I made for you. I was able to finish it in time for the Festival. I’m glad I could give it to you as my Festival gift to you. I don’t know if you saw, but I carved a crane on the inner lid. May the chest bring you much happiness.
Your nephew,
Woodworker Carl
Sbud
Sbud,
I just hate it when you send me back to the Narks. I hate that place. The people there are strange, they have strange ways and very strange ideas. The last time I was there I had to tell them where I went, what I was doing and why. I had to tell them what I did when I went bathroom. It was ridiculous but the Narks said they had to know, just in case.
There’s a bulletin borad that the Narks use to post all their information. I’m expected to learn eveyrthing on that bulletin board. I tried to obey, but you know me, el stupido, I kept getting the postings all mixed up and I got in big trouble.
I missed an important meeting, thought it was in the blue room when it was in the green room. Boy did I get yelled at for that mistake.
Then there was the thing in the bio lab. I had to dissect this frog and got all the information wrong. I ended up doing taking off the frog’s legs when I was just supposed to draw a picture of the frog. I killed the frog. I feel so bad. I got in tons of trouble for that mistake.
I can’t seem to do anytning right, the Narks are always yelling at me. I hate it here and want to come live with you. I don’t understand why I can’t stay with you. I won’t be any trouble, you said you had an extra room that’s empty, I can stay there. I got a good job and I can get there really easy from your place, why can’t I stay with you, I don’t understand.
Please come and get me, I hate it here at the Narks.
Pumpkin
I just hate it when you send me back to the Narks. I hate that place. The people there are strange, they have strange ways and very strange ideas. The last time I was there I had to tell them where I went, what I was doing and why. I had to tell them what I did when I went bathroom. It was ridiculous but the Narks said they had to know, just in case.
There’s a bulletin borad that the Narks use to post all their information. I’m expected to learn eveyrthing on that bulletin board. I tried to obey, but you know me, el stupido, I kept getting the postings all mixed up and I got in big trouble.
I missed an important meeting, thought it was in the blue room when it was in the green room. Boy did I get yelled at for that mistake.
Then there was the thing in the bio lab. I had to dissect this frog and got all the information wrong. I ended up doing taking off the frog’s legs when I was just supposed to draw a picture of the frog. I killed the frog. I feel so bad. I got in tons of trouble for that mistake.
I can’t seem to do anytning right, the Narks are always yelling at me. I hate it here and want to come live with you. I don’t understand why I can’t stay with you. I won’t be any trouble, you said you had an extra room that’s empty, I can stay there. I got a good job and I can get there really easy from your place, why can’t I stay with you, I don’t understand.
Please come and get me, I hate it here at the Narks.
Pumpkin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)