The Reluctant Pilgrim

Searching for Spirituality in Prison

February 4, 2010

I am fortunate enough to be part of a volunteer program that teaches literature and spirituality to inmates at the Raleigh Correctional Center for Women.  The women recently had a chance to share poignant pieces of their spiritual narratives on air.  The show was aired on Feb 2nd on WUNC’s NPR’s “The State of Things” with host Frank Stasio. It was a wonderful and powerful experience. I continue to assist with the teaching of this class and hope to write more about this transformative experience.

Click here to visit NPR’s “The State of Things” to hear this program.

NPR's "The State of Things" taping at Raleigh Correctional Center for Women

January 13, 2010

On Haiti

By Enuma Okoro

I’ve lost my words of late

under crumbling walls

and falling structures.

Words buried with the unspeakable,

buried with justice, any sense

of priorities,

starting points,

musings,

of Presence.

So I tap tap

like morse code

with every heartbeat a breath

prayer,

“Lord have mercy

Christ have mercy

Lord have mercy.”

Surely the Word has come.

I heard there was news,

amidst those watching and waiting,

There will be light

in this present groping and flaying,

searching for the lost.

The Word has come

for times like these

Epiphany

bears

more

weight.

There will be light.

There will be light.

There must be light

in this

present darkness.