Rarely have I heard men, real men, express their “luv” for one another on the outside so regularly as I do in the yard or in the yelling from their cells after muster.

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It takes trust, courage and fearlessness for “real” men to be so open in their expression of “luving” one another.

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This seems to me to indicate they sense a belonging not often enjoyed by many men on the outside.

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What would you think this implies?

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Would it show that many incarcerated men do have the capacity to tell one another how much they are appreciated by sharing the practical things of life – milk, bread, coffee, tea, toilet paper, meals, jam and minties – and often asking each other, “Is there anything you need, bro?”

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Does this suggest, at last, they have a sense of belonging and acceptance from another? Maybe this belonging and acceptance has sadly been missing from some family members and friends due to the nature of the less good behaviours in the past?

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In their sorrow, shame and guilt, maybe they find those in their family and their friends too judgemental and self-righteous to offer them the chance to make amends? Especially when they want to desperately change!

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And so they at least begin to express their need to belong and accept others by saying, “Luv ya bro.”

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David.