We tell and we listen. We discuss conflict and empathy, grief and guilt, trauma and resilience.


“Hands with a consciousness of cruelty grasp other hands in welcome.”


I could mention the War on Drugs, punitive sentencing laws, systemic racism, political strategies capitalizing on crime fears, economic factors like poverty, and practices like high bail, fines, and fees that create cycles of incarceration, alongside the self-perpetuating nature of the system itself.


“He used to be really angry before, wouldn’t share.”


I could mention how intergenerational trauma can manifest emotionally, behaviorally, and physically. I could mention our parents, who may have tried, who may have been unable to act on love.


“Hurt people hurt people, when they are living in their shame.”


I could mention the strength in vulnerability practiced when we place a name to the heart, a practice to the empathy.


“We go in to get out.”

Inside these walls, something loosens.

Listening becomes freedom.

Humanity moves unguarded.



When the last word is spoken, we breathe, stretch, and stand