Who Asked You? by Terry McMillan

to the snack machine (I’m addicted to bubble gum), and I was able to stock up on soap, lotion, deodorant, and toothpaste which I sorely needed. I was also able to buy five new (used, of course) paperbacks too. I finished reading “Dianetics” and “The 7 Spiritual Laws To Success.” They’re both in tune with most of what’s been missing in my life. I am learning a lot more about why some of the things that led me here happened the way they did—for instance: going to prison for a crime somebody else committed and making me the fall guy by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I admit I have anger issues, which is why I’m still taking Anger Management classes. However, I know, too, that all I can do is be grateful for the present, prepare as best I can for the future, and forgive and forget the past. Have you ever heard of Iyanla Vanzant? You should check her out, Ma, she has her hand on the pulse of the black man’s problems. Although she deals with a lot of issues that plague people in general. There’s quite a few white dudes in here who like her too, but not a single Aryan (ha ha). Before I forget, would you be able to send me a cheap watch (under $40 and please remember to attach the receipt and don’t take it out of the box) because someone stole mine and we get tickets (fined $2) around here for not being on time for work and our classes. My so-called (now ex-) girlfriend—Skittles—(I’m not sure if you remember meeting her but don’t even try) sent me a stopwatch by mistake. I had to cut her loose. Not only was she missing a few links, but I found out through a reliable source that she just had a baby by some other dude. Talk about loyalty.
    Question: Have you been reading my letters? I’m not accusing, but sometimes you don’t answer my questions, questions that I think deserve an answer, but it’s all good. Anyway, if you recall, a few months back I sent you a copy of the District Judge’s opinion regarding my civil case wherein the Judge described the conduct of the CDC officials as unconstitutional. I will say this, though, the U.S. District Court failed to review a State Prisoner’s pro se civil rights action, filed under 43 U.S.C. 1984, in accordance with Fenton v. Gomez , 404 U.S. 520, 521 (1993), in which they violated a prisoner’s right to access the Appeals Courts. I won’t rehash all of the details again, Ma, however I just want to say that I’m still litigating this case because I feel I have rights to due process and equal protection of the law. As you know, I’ve spent the past five (5) years learning how to become an attorney, answering motions, and conducting discovery by mail. As I write this I’m waiting for a District Judge’s ruling on my motion for Summary Judgment I prepared on behalf of another inmate. Some of my motions have been quite effective in that a few charges have been overturned.
    I forgot to ask: How are you? And what about Daddy? I know he’s not going to get any better and hopefully I’ll be out of here before he leaves this tangible world and enters that celestial one. I tried calling Quentin but he’s blocked all collect calls, which basically means he doesn’t want to speak to me because with his lifestyle who else could he possibly know that would be calling him collect? I write him, but of course he never writes me back. Did I miss another wedding? Last time I checked he was on Wife #3. I think he’s confused about his manhood. I also think it’s rude to block collect calls because what if there was an emergency? I haven’t spoken to or heard from Aunt Arlene in almost two (2) years and Uncle Rodney forced Aunt Venetia to stop accepting my calls, against her faith, I might add. He has never been fond of me, and the feeling is mutual. He seems untrustworthy, as if he’s always had another agenda. Anyway, sorry for going off on a tangent. As you can tell, I try not to call you and Daddy every week. I know you’re on a tight