Poetry

Allies | Andrea Mims | Caroline Anderson | Carolyn Havenhill | Charisse Shumate | Christy Marie Camp | Darlene Bourk | Flozelle Woodmore | June Gravlee | Leeann Marie Nabors | Mary Shields | Nikki

Charisse Shumate

Before Charisse passed away on Aug. 4, 2001, she wrote the following for Mary Shields, another incarcerated survivor at CCWF.

To Mary, With Love

If I gather up all my wishes for you and put them in a pretty basket, your multi-colored bouquet would look like this…you'd have peace from every conflict you encounter in your life, all the love you need, and perfect health to enjoy this journey of life.

Your basket would be filled with dreams come true, goals met, and satisfaction with your achievements. There would be many friendships to enhance your feelings of community and belonging. A variety of meaningful relationships gives life spice and balance, so I'd fill your basket with the kind of friends you can call on, go places with and care for.

There would be prayers for your freedom from everything that binds you and solutions to any problems you may have in life. In this pretty basket of wishes, you would have everything you need and want, and every situation and circumstances you encounter would enhance you potential for happiness. May the time and concern you've invested in others translate into the kind of love and appreciation for yourself that you so deserved.

You are worthy. You are beautiful. You are loved. As I stir through the memories of what we've shared through the years as lovers, I want you to know that I have a bouquet of wishes for you…I wish you love, I wish you happiness, and I hope your every dream is coming true.