Donate Here

Letters

For Granted

Anonymous

This person writes from Ravenhall Prison, in Victoria.

Willy Pleasance

Sometimes we take things for granted, like our freedom. I've only been in prison a short time compared to some, but I still feel the pinch. Every night when they lock the cell doors it's still hard. After lock-in is when I really feel like going for a walk most. Despite walking in a circle half the day, I just want to walk further, like down the street to the shops, or even just to cross the road with cars, people and so on.

For granted is such a strong term. Like taking freedom or just taking life for granted.

I'm here because I broke the law. Regrets? Yeah, I have plenty given the situation I’m in. I would a hundred per cent do it all differently and not break the law and be in here. Knowing the people I've hurt, family and friends, makes my heart break. It's like I'm in this endless nightmare.

Watching people come and go and yet I'm still stuck here within these walls.

I was told it won't be forever – forever is such a long time. I know I won’t be here forever and, when I'm out, I will do everything within my power to stay out. I sure as hell won't take anything for granted again.

Sometimes we take things for granted, like our freedom. I've only been in prison a short time compared to some, but I still feel the pinch. Every night when they lock the cell doors it's still hard. After lock-in is when I really feel like going for a walk most. Despite walking in a circle half the day, I just want to walk further, like down the street to the shops, or even just to cross the road with cars, people and so on.

For granted is such a strong term. Like taking freedom or just taking life for granted.

I'm here because I broke the law. Regrets? Yeah, I have plenty given the situation I’m in. I would a hundred per cent do it all differently and not break the law and be in here. Knowing the people I've hurt, family and friends, makes my heart break. It's like I'm in this endless nightmare.

Watching people come and go and yet I'm still stuck here within these walls.

I was told it won't be forever – forever is such a long time. I know I won’t be here forever and, when I'm out, I will do everything within my power to stay out. I sure as hell won't take anything for granted again.

This
letter
was originally printed in the
May 2025
edition of About Time.
By Biannca

Just thought I would send in two photos of what I have been up to during my time in prison.

ISSUE NO. 26
1 MIN READ
By Chris

Finding information relating to Commonwealth Parole or people able to provide correct advice has proven challenging since I was sentenced.

ISSUE NO. 26
2 MIN READ
By Aidan

I am writing as I saw my partner’s article and it inspired me. This is probably my millionth time in prison, and time stands still.

ISSUE NO. 26
1 MIN READ
By Adrian

How do we escape the trap of feeling worse rather than better?

ISSUE NO. 26
3 MIN READ

Welcome to About Time

About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

Your browser window currently does not have enough height, or is zoomed in too far to view our website content correctly. Once the window reaches the minimum required height or zoom percentage, the content will display automatically.

Alternatively, you can learn more via the links below.

Donations via GiveNow

Email

Instagram

LinkedIn

Get All the Latest News From About Time in Your Inbox

Be the first to read each edition online and receive two newsletters each month filled with news stories, experiences, creativity and the voices of people in prison around the country.

X

X

You've successfully registered!
Something went wrong when we tried to register your details. Please try again.