Count time

Fischman, Arnold

Original

Transcript

Count Time An ancient, broken down, light skinned black man is prone to wander unit B, hunched over and wearing nothing but his adult diaper. I don't know his name. Last night, at 9:30 stand up count time, he was pushing his wheeled walker toward the bathroom in his underpants as two guards arrived to count us. The female guard, Ms. Payne, a black woman, ordered him to go back to his bunk. He sheepishly replied, "nature issue". She repeated the order. Looking bewildered, he asked "Who are you? Do I know you?" Ms. Payne eventually got him to return to his bunk. Ordinarily he would have been sent to the SHU - Special Housing Unit - the hole - for being undressed. Ms. Payne gave him a break. I am in the Library now with my friend. I feel like I am writing down a dream. Terminal Island FCI

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