Dear Henri,

KC. told me a bit about you and your current situation. Because you are special, though you don’t seem to realize it, and many persons love you and care about you-some more than you do yourself, I was asked to write you this letter.

From the outset you’re going to believe I’m just another unfortunate scared-straight type prisoner trying to intimidate you to get in line and behave. Far from that. Yes, I am an unfortunate prisoner for 27 years now. I also have lots on my mind and was not inclined to write such a letter. By the time that you get this I’ll likely be executed by the state of Florida, tied down and lethal drugs pumped into my veins till dead. A month and a half ago I was measured for an execution and burial suit- this is the third time and very likely the last time as I expect to die on the 24th and will likely be dead when you receive this. For security purposes this ink pen I write with easily bends back and forth making writing very very difficult. Because of it many have almost stopped writing.

Henri, in the 25 years I’ve been on Death Row 50 have been executed, about 12 committed suicide, 2 killed by other death row prisoners. Some 15-20 died by heart attacks, cancer and other illnesses. Maybe as many as 400 to 500 have been with me here and departed leaving me here, most with life sentences. A few got fortunate and won their liberty but far from whole men again, if some ever were.

Like yourself Henri, most of us were young and felt invincible, get wiser and avoid being caught. That seems good thinking, a good plan but it’s actually very foolish Henri. All the proof you need is in jail with you and the prisons- millions in this country and elsewhere around the world.

I’ve seen and known hundreds who’ve given our youths and lives to the system. As you probably know Henri, in this walk of life as a criminal much will come to you and you get caught up by it due to the circuits you travel and company you keep. A criminal friend of yours can shoot someone or pull a gun for some other evil intention you don’t agree with and you could get 20 years to life.

The average prisoner-criminal usually comes to see the futility of his life of crime and stupidity after he’s in his upper 30s, early to mid 40s after reason and intelligence have taken root. Then he looks back and sees all of his bullshit then realizes he’s nothing to show for it but a long trail of crime, injury to himself and others especially his own family and neighborhood. Also he sees his youth is gone. He could’ve been a professional athlete, professional in many fields, had his own business, home, family by honest means and used what rights and liberties he had to make his own decisions as to what he would or would not do regarding big things and such little things as what he eats, watch on TV or at the theater, when he’ll go to bed and get up, go to the bathroom instead of the years of personal indignities of having others tell him what to do and when to do it in jails and prisons.

Did you know Henri that in prisons today people invest in you and make money off of you like they did slaves? Why would anyone voluntarily give himself over as a slave to be exploited for profit for others- investors.

Without discipline and self-restraint Henri one cannot be a man, only an animal working against himself and society. There must be law to order society and for criminals. With self-respect, discipline, respect of others and right-living you can enjoy life and be happy or content. Living on the edge, crime, and foolishness is not the way. Be willing to be content with what you and your family have, be patient, work hard and forget about keeping up with the Joneses. Material things and the pursuit of them at all costs isn’t the way.

Don’t let the negativities and put-downs of others damage you psychologically. Overcome it, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

I was you, Henri, long ago. I just hope you heed what I have written, believe me, if you don’t, you’ll come to know it from experience- if you live that long. Most of the folks I knew when we were your age are dead now and I’m soon to be.

I was on the phone earlier, crying, saying goodbye to a long-time friend and supporter. Before that tears flowed as I wrote similar goodbyes to another friend who in our long correspondence. There’s beauty and grace and talent in you Henri and all my young dysfunctional Brothers in and out of trouble, breaking hearts, destroying lives- your own and others. I’m writing of Brothers of all colors, black, white, brown, etc.

It’s up to you. You’ve got the power. Get yourself together. If my suffering, experience, and death and my sharing it with you will stop you from throwing your life away and destroying others then spending the time to write you will be more than worth it little Brother.

There’s a sacredness in coming to profoundly know and respect life. Then you’ll live it with meaning and joy. This is my wish for you and all the young Brothers and sisters out there going down the wrong paths.

In Brotherly Love with

Profound Respect,

Amos Lee King