I hate this system.

You get bitter. Like for me. They finally put me in a program where I could learn something - out in the bush. Should have done this for me when I was a kid. (So many of these kids, they shouldn’t be in here!) I like nature. And I was learning things I could use outside. Then I got in a situation in town on leave and they used the breathalyzer. They said I’d been drinking, but I hadn’t. I said the breathalyzer was wrong. In two minutes they decided, “You’re guilty”. I had witnesses, and I could prove how I’d spent my time, and witnesses to say I hadn’t had anything to drink. But they didn’t let anyone speak for me. They took me off the program. ‘Cause of my record I got fucked around. Didn’t have a chance.

I REALLY wanted that program. After spending most of my life in jail it’s the only thing that did anything for me. So I’m bitter.

I know I’m a convict - that my life bit in the instalment plan. I’ve wasted a whole life running. Now I want to stop. Now I’ve become what I’ve become I guess sometimes it’s too late…

Though I may reach out my hands and help people that are in distress - maybe someday - if you ever see a guy in my situation, don’t be shy and say he’s not good enough.

Reach out and help him.

Eli
Inmate
Prince George Regional Correctional Centre

Update: I have been unable to find any current information about Eli