Arts and CultureFull Access
Still Waters and Restored Souls
Published Online:7 Jun 2023https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2023.180407
Ochre plastic coffee mugs and
black canvas shoes,
white cotton jumpsuits and
green puffy jackets,
concrete floors painted
bright purple.
From each perspective, one clearly sees
that these colors, a kaleidoscope
united by dissonance and utilitarianism,
are simple refractions of the light surrounding them,
reflections of life emanating from the bright humanity
shining deep inside of each inmate in the group.
Individually they come forward, at first slowly,
haltingly overcoming their trepidation,
timidly embracing vulnerability,
gradually acquiescing to the comfort of community.
They voluntarily contribute their voices,
continually surrendering themselves
to the judgment of others, persisting in an effort
to quiet their overwhelmingly intractable demons.
They are lost and hurting. They silently hope
that the still waters and restored souls
that have been promised to them
will somehow remain within their reach.
