The vilest of deeds, like poison weeds,
Bloom well in prison air;
It is only what is good in man,
That wastes and withers there.

In most cases, this unfortunately true. During my years in prison, I have witnessed the worst in men, assaults carried out for simple amusements, murder committed over a book of stamps, people being tortured while others look on with indifference or even laughter. Savagery, hate, greed, and all forms of baseness are more often the rule than the exception, with immorality and ignorance being embraced with glee.

But, at the same time, I have observed another aspect of prison which I believe Wild never did. It is a side rarely seen by outsiders and never reported upon by the media, as it does not fit with their preconceived notion of prison stereotypes.

I have encountered boundless generosity. Men, whose entire array of worldly possessions will fit within a shoebox, still willing to share what they have with a stranger on two minute acquaintance, expecting nothing in return. Those owning nothing but a cigarette, willing to pass it around, or with nothing but a bar of soap, willing to break it in half. Men who labor in prison laundries or kitchens for pennies an hour, who donate $100 every year at Christmas to programs for unprivileged children.

I have encountered unbelievable courage. Men going to another’s aid unhesitantly, even when horribly outnumbered, amidst riots and gang fights. Men willing to be tear-gassed, stun-gunned, and clubbed over issues having nothing to do with them rather than to allow a fellow prisoner to be abused alone by guards. Those willing to take a blade meant for another or accept blame for crimes they did not commit in order to protect someone because they believe it is the right thing to do.

I have seen men struggle to educate themselves without materials or encouragement. I have seen those willing to try improving conditions for their fellow prisoners, despite indifference or even opposition from prison officials. I have seen men sacrifice all they possess, physically, mentally, and spiritually, to uphold nothing more than an abstract principle.

Prison, much like war, brings out both the best and the worst in people. The harshness of the situation distills a person down to their essence, magnifying every character trait for good or ill. Many are driven down the wrong road by their own demons, and it is these who are held up as the example of what prisoners are like, to proclaim us all unworthy of mercy or compassion.

I will not attempt to deny many here are less than admirable. Yet some of us, even while on death row, do make a conscious effort to become better people and we strive every day to ameliorate our pasts. So while death penalty supporters would have you believe otherwise, we are not all beyond redemption. If given an opportunity, we might surprise you.

Though I am certainly not a poet to compare with Wilde, I would say this:

In our world
of pain and strife
Even the worst of us
can prove worthy of life.

Shannon Agofsky