When the Clock Strikes Never

Summary

The text is a poignant reflection on the life-altering experiences of an individual who has spent 20 years in jail for a crime of desperation, awaiting his final day with a mix of resignation and anticipation for freedom.

Abstract

This narrative is not a mere story but a profound account of transformation and resilience in the face of adversity. It centers on an individual who has spent two decades in prison, a place he once called home, filled with transient visitors and a wealth of stories etched into the walls of his cell. Despite the beauty of the day and the comforting memories of past conversations, he is acutely aware of his impending fate. His crime, stealing out of desperation to save a loved one, was escalated by a carpetbagger, leading to his prolonged incarceration. The protagonist has grappled with the horror of his potential demise, the loss of his voice, and the absence of his wife, yet he has adapted to the inevitability of his situation. As he prepares to leave the confines of his dark walls, he embraces the prospect of journeying to a different world, free from the constraints of his existence as a prisoner.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of injustice, as the protagonist's crime was born out of desperation rather than malice, yet it was inflated by external forces.
There is a deep sense of loss and nostalgia for the life and relationships the protagonist has left behind, particularly highlighted by his bittersweet parting with a close companion.
The protagonist's experience reflects a struggle with powerlessness and the futility of resistance within the justice system.
The narrative suggests that time can desensitize one to even the most dire of circumstances, as the protagonist has become accustomed to the idea of his death being imminent.
The protagonist harbors a complex set of emotions, including a sense of relief and eagerness, as he faces his final day, indicating a desire for closure and peace.

A Satirical representation of being a Human

This is not a fairytale nor is it of Grimm, it is a narration of how life can change, for the ones who cave in. There I stood and wondered, “A beautiful day”. The sun glistening just the perfect amount, the air that I breathed held just the right proportion of consolation that tranquilized me off the fate that was about to be sealed. The place had been my home for 20 years and I had seen many come and go. Although I didn’t mind the temporary visitors that I have had the privilege to. The walls of my room witnessed a collection of stories that would stir a soul rather than move it. I stared at the rusted fan on the ceiling that barely moved with memories of the conversations that I had, the way they made me feel. There was this one particular companion that I stayed with the longest and ours was a bittersweet parting. We wept like little children with a hope to meet someday, somewhere and I did, as seeing him was the last wish I asked for. When I first came here, I was drenched with fear and the notions that tomorrow may not be another day. I was never allowed to have an opinion or even justify myself. Even though I could speak, it felt like my voice was taken away from me. I was simply counting my days as the endless nights dragged on, unknowing when would be my last.

You see I have been in Jail for the past 20 years of my life and my only crime was I stole, I stole out of desperation to save the one life that meant the most to me. Being a learned man I never thought that I would be forced to do such a thing. And then what was a petty theft was turned into a full-blown Mafia crime by a carpetbagger that has brought me to this day. I didn’t fight because I knew there was no point in it and I had already lost my precious wife so there was not much to live for. However, the feeling of dying is a horror and to adjust to the thought of it is itself a struggle, no matter what. I never thought I would make it past one week in which everything happened. But then the week turned into months and months to years and I have actually gotten used to this fact that they may just come when they want to. For now, I’m just a news waiting to happen. Today’s the day I will be leaving for good, no more visitors, no more living in dark walls. I will be free and I will be journeying to a different world and honestly, I can’t wait for it to happen.