Out! And this time, really OUT!!!!

It didn't hit me until I looked up,
And there the glistening razor-wire looked down ...
On me and my "escort" ... hup, hup, hup!
Sparkling in the sunset on my obvious frown.

First through master control
Securing my keys into the numbered slot
And then out through minor control,
Through which I'll surely again enter ... NOT!

I'M REALLY OUT!

On the good side of not making the cut at the end of the fiscal year is that not one of the Control Officers (guards) made even a move as so many of my close friends (felons all) hugged, cried and held tight to my wind-breaker as I was taken out of the classroom, building and ultimately out of the prison. (Even touching a "staff member" is a major infraction for any inmate, so that was a first of its kind, I think.)

I find it ironic that on the same day that I was "evacuated" from Stafford Creek State Penitentiary, our guys and gals in Iraq were evacuated from all of the cities and urban areas within Iraq. A connection?

There's something about that synchronicity ...

And yes, I teared up after promising myself I would never do so. Of course, I was relieved of my picture-badge, keys (quite a ring full) and other odds and ends, such as equipment/security chits and the card I had for use in vending machines--which I never used in the nearly three years I dutifully carried it hidden behind the badge in its holder.

The drive down the hill was an emotional five or so minutes ...