What can you do with milk of magnesia, a large bag of scalding water, a handful of de-icer? Nope, these aren’t ingredients to make any sort of explosive, like baking soda added to a 2-liter bottle with vinegar or the classic erupting volcano model for a 5th grade science fair. These some-what common prison items are repurposed. For example, milk of magnesia is intended to relieve constipation and help with a bowel movement, but this milky liquid may be dabbed underneath the arm-pits as a deodorant (it actually works). De-icer is sprinkled over a mop-bucket full of ice to create a freezing effecting which allows a submerged peanut butter jar filled with flavored sugar water to become an actual slushy. The bag of hot water is placed atop a tortilla-crusted “pizza” to melt the cheese and “cook” the other toppings. After 22 months of being at Morgantown FPC, prisoners’ collective ingenuity continues to impress me. At times, it seems these inmates are competing for some new Boy Scout merit badge.
I have previously written about the concept of “cooking” which usually involves an iron to toast a quesadilla or grilled-cheese sandwich or boiling hot water with a stinger (power cord attached to two pieces of metal and submerged in water). A small bag of coffee creamer rules as the favorite ingredient for repurposing. Coffee creamer with sweetener added becomes a “taffy” or the key ingredient to making a “cheese cake.” Upon entering Morgantown, a guy’s picture is taken to create an ID card. Taking one edge of this card and filing it down sharpens the edge to become a plastic cutter used for prepping toppings for a “pizza” or “nacho” bowl. The metal lid of Comet household cleaner has about 8 holes transforming it into a cheese grater.
These ingenious inmates repurpose almost anything. Repurposing becomes a foundational tenet to the rehabilitative journey of prison life that transcends mere items. All the guys here have a common label in society, “felon;” yet, they will all be released one day with this cloud following them (and hopefully not identifying them). Finding repurpose in life beyond selling dope, scamming elderly, or stealing from the government allows us to acclimate back into society as a contributing citizen. While the “felon” cloud will follow us throughout life, it does not define us unless its invited back to overshadow. I have difficulty relating to most of the guys I’m surrounded by, but I am not void or above the “felon” cloud. I look forward to the day where I am able to repurpose my life in the freedom of the everyday, which I once took for granted. As always, thank you for the continued support and love that you have shared with me over these 22 months. Continue to look for any little miracle in your daily life and give recognition for the everyday freedoms 🙂