The First Year: An Album of Freedom

Editor’s Note: In March 2010, we began posting the work of Enceno Macy, an inmate in a U.S. prison. Enceno’s articles were sent handwritten, then typed and edited by a trusted editor, who would then pass along any comments and emails to him in printed form. One year ago, Enceno was freed on parole. In his very busy first year adjusting to being back out in the world, it has been challenging for him to find time to write for PW, but to honor the first anniversary of his release, he has sent us this brief note and recap of this last year — under his real name, at last. — Amanda and Eric

Jordan Merrell, who formerly wrote for Planet Waves under the name Enceno Macy, looks to the sea on his way to visit his mother for the first time after his release.
Jordan Merrell, a.k.a. Enceno Macy, looks to the sea on his way to visit his mother for the first time after his release.

I want to truly extend my sincerest apologies to for not writing anything more since being out. But I want to make sure to express my gratitude for everything PW has done for me.

I have gone through a lot and learned so much since being out yet many of the thoughts and observations that I have written about have not changed too much; I don’t see the world through the lenses that I used to but I still wear the same glasses.

Below is a brief summary of my first year out. I hope to get things in enough order to be able to contribute once again! The experience is by far as invaluable as anything else I have the good fortune of being a part of and I want to send everyone at PW and all the readers my love and respect!

Thank you so much!!
Love always,
Jordan
Aka: Encino Macy

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