This was the first time I was out of the facility in several years. 

     I rode in a van with two correction officers and an armed correction's sergeant.  But since it was a small vehicle I was able to look out from

the screened windows.

 

     As per the standard procedure when a prisoner is being transported, I had to be handcuffed at the wrists.  I also had my feet shackled together with cuffs similar to handcuffs, but a little larger to

accommodate the ankles.

 

     While the trip was interesting, although uncomfortable because of the heavy steel cuffs, chains and shackles, I did not want to be reminded of life beyond the prison's walls.

 

     The officers were decent, though.  The young guard who had to sit in the seat behind me was friendly and talkative.  He asked me many

questions about my faith in Christ.  It was one of the most encouraging conversations I had had in awhile.  This man was really listening!

 

     The hard part for me was not in having to sit with all the security hardware on.  Instead it was in seeing all the beauty outside the van's windows.

 

     As we drove passed town after town I saw many lovely but simple homes.  People were working in their gardens or walking about on a sunny and gorgeous day.

 

     I saw deer, too.  And there were many rivers, creeks and streams, all swollen with water after several days of heavy rains.

 

     The hospital, however, was crowded with people.  Most of then were the medical staff or other workers.  But there were others walking about, too.

 

     With the officers in front and behind me, I shuffled up and down the long corridors wrapped in rattling chains and cuffs.  This wasn't a

pretty sight for anyone to see, I'm sure.

 

     Fortunately very few people even bothered to look my way.  They seemed more embarrassed than I was to have a prisoner in their midst. 

But I got the exam my doctor insisted that I take.

 

     The procedure lasted for a little while.  I was anesthetized for most of it.  I awoke lying on a portable bed with the guards standing

over me.  A medical technician soon appeared alongside me to ask if I was okay, and to let me know that a full report of what they found or did not find will eventually be sent to the prison's doctor.

 

     Then it was time to get dressed and be tied up again in the security hardware for the return walk to the van, and the scenic ride back to

Sullivan.

 

     I've been feeling a little down today, as expected.  Seeing yesterday's sights was painful.  I was reminded of a world beyond these walls.  It is a world I cannot go to or be a part of anymore.

 

David Berkowitz

April 28, 2004

 

 

(c) 2004 David Berkowitz