Sr. Ardeth Platte writes from Alderson Prison: Ramblings and Reflections
Newsletter 20
March, 2005
My dear companions on the journey,
In my last newsletter I mentioned that Lent seems like a great time to take on the brokenness, fears, struggles, oppression and hopelessness. In this openness we seek conversion, renewal, a revolution of the heart. Believe me, we have not been wanting of opportunities.
Lent thus far
“Lent is a season that shakes, loosens and frees us from illusions about our own and our communities' “righteousness” and capacity to judge accurately and justly.” (Celebrate, March/April 2005, p. 36)
In the first week one of our younger women guards committed suicide in her home after a regular day's work. Then one of our sister prisoners whose body had begun losing control over functions was taken to segregation where she died at 52 years of age. Her care was less than her needs demanded. We held her memorial service to pay her the tribute she deserved. In the midst of these two deaths twenty-three women were told to pack up for transfer to Philadelphia FDC, not an open camp setting, but rather a lockdown unit with 1200 men and 100 women. Within the next week twenty women came to this unit from SHU, self-surrender and returnees from the FCI drug program. We have reached capacity once again. The word is that there may be another group moved from here in March. We'll see. In the same week one of my roommates became desperately ill, unable to breathe. With serious advocacy we worked for the needed response beginning with her medication, which had been delayed for three weeks. When contacting family I discovered that my brother had experienced a 6 by-pass heart surgery. It is sacrifice in itself being away from family and communities and friends these many months without receiving news of this nature.
“God has saved us and has called us to a holy life, not because of any merit of ours, but because of God's own purpose and grace…” (2 Timothy 1:9)
Lenten sacrifices continued
Women who planned on gaining a year with boot camp in TX were returned here because of cancellation of the program. Some paper work has stacked up by limiting staff. Furloughs are being cancelled, half-way houses are not being obtained readily. The seeing-eye dog program is cancelled. The dogs are being transferred to Bedford Hills, a state prison in NY. In its place a new part-time respite care program with dogs may replace it. The women have trained their dogs since they were small puppies. Thursday and Friday visiting days may be on the next quarter's chopping block. Prisons are non-affordable. Alternatives are essential!
In the Global Village
The daily news of a growing conflict between Syria and Lebanon, an earthquake in Iran, frightening federal appointments of personnel whose past records defy legal principles, more killings in Iraq and the Middle East, in war zones and U.S. cities. The enormous human cost of war as thousands of injured brothers and sisters return home, families mourning those who will never return, traumatized in hot spots, deficit spending sky high and an environment being battered and abused.
My prayer churns within me as I pose my questions while incarcerated: Where must I place my heart? How am I to respond to these burdens? What justice am I to seek? What are my practices to be as a Resurrection person? O God, call me, lead me, strengthen me, carry me. May I carry others!
New Books
We have gratitude in our hearts for our new treasures. Paperback books may be sent directly. Hard cover books must be sent through a bookstore or from the publisher.
- Musings of a Modern Mystic by Peter Childs
- Gates of Repentance by Chaim Stern, Ed.
- Lost from Ottawa , a Memoir by Pun Plamondon
- Sounds of Protest, Songs of Praise by Rosemarie Carnarius
I've been praying the poems of Rosemarie Carnarius “in the spirit of Life's oneness” since receiving this book and hope it is okay with the author to include:
“Do not speak of war (A 911 Response)”
Do not speak of war, revenge Let your hearts be torn
with easy tongue by sorrow and grief
do not lightly invoke by the tragic loss of lives
getting even in this time perishing in horror
of weapons that mass destroy. as they did in Hiroshima
Pause. Grieve. Bow. Dresden and Vietnam.
Listen. But do not speak
of war causally, from raw
emotions, injured pride. Let your leaders find
the plotting serpent
Pause again. Grieve more behind the diabolic attack
deeply. And listen, listen! but do not speak
Let your ears bring truth of war and revenge
to you beyond the shock with easy tongue
of the apparent: the images with unknowing.
of exploding planes and imploding buildings
of twin towers of power
collapsing in ashes and dust.
Messages long overdue
It is never possible for me to say “thank you” enough times for the amazing love, prayers, support and encouragement received in these years of imprisonment. Let me list some extra kudos:
· to Mary Casper for sending my monthly letters
· to the Somsel-Kobasa family who visit me and bring good cheer regularly
· to all of you who send my sets of letters to others, you are too numerous to list but you know what a blessing this assistance is
· to persons who keep me updated with research and xerox copies
· to all of you who write to me and accept my limitations.
I love you and lift your names up high. Your companionship is sacred to me. We'll celebrate Resurrection in that spirit, dear communities and friends.
My arms will be open wide to welcome Alice Gerard and Sr. Lil Mattingly, MM on March 15 th for their 6 month sentences for their SOA Watch action last November. We will have a united spirit with women and men co-defendants in other prisons also.
Deepest gratitude always,
Ardeth Platte, OP # 10857-039
Federal Correction Institution
33 ½ Pembroke Station
Danbury, CT 06811