ISSUE NO. 10
May 2025
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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.

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Welcome to About Time

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

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