When a friend asked me to sub for his writing class in the prison where we’re both incarcerated, I was hesitant. But sharing the story that had haunted me since childhood finally set me free.
Phillip Vance Smith II got his life w/o parole sentence for the murder of Mr. Great story and a real good lesson for some of us hotheads out here. I'm from NC, too and never got caught for the many things I could have gone to the slammer for.
Smith could do more good outside than inside a prison. But it also sounds as if he has made the best of a life severely constrained. For that, and for his superb writing ability I salute him.
May his good deeds redeem him in a meaningful way.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
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