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Meeko refers to the prison as the "garbage dump," because it houses only the most hardened criminals. Cresting high above its aging walls are four towers strategically placed at each of the corners. Outside the prison are armed guards with readied rifles parading the catwalks that mark the facility's circumference. He and the rest of the new prisoners are placed in a holding tank in the center of the room. They are kept there until they are assigned permanent living quarters. By the end of the second day, Meeko watches the ignorant and poor try to jockey themselves into positions of power within this aggressive atmosphere, and comes to the realization that a man in prison is either predator or prey. Old inmates arrive like a pack of hungry wolves surrounding the cage to size up the new prey, and the wheeling and dealing begins. Later Meeko notices five Indians walking his way. The oldest approaches, first introducing himself as Larry Blackbear, Oglala from Pine Ridge. He lets Meeko know that he will be assigned to their block. Meeko finds out that they have group meetings at a place called the learning tree to support one another. At first he finds Blackbear's teachings too unrealistic, but after a conversation with him he starts to appreciate them. As time passes Meeko begins to investigate the possibility of making his voice heard in the larger prison population. He spends hours in the library researching prisoners' rights, and begins to formulate the idea of creating an educational program for all races. Meeko enrolls in college, majoring in psychology. Within two years he graduates with a B.A. Upon receiving his degree, Meeko obtains permission to establish a therapy group. He takes advantage of every situation that arises, and eventually his name is brought to the attention of the Department of Education. He is given the position of secretary to the superintendent of all educational programs in the prison system. Moreover, Meeko continues to educate himself and learns to follow business protocols, all the while manipulating the paper trail in the federal system. He becomes the best jailhouse attorney in the prison. After being denied parole he is advised to keep a low profile, since his sentence could be extended by his activity. Meeko changes in prison after a meeting the spirits of Bear and the Brown Recluse as each helps to protect him with their Medicine. In the meantime he receives a degree from a pharmaceutical course, as well as a counseling degree, and a paper stating he is now an ordained minister in Ohio. He also starts getting paid for his legal services, and intimidates others with his large vocabulary. After five years in prison, Meeko's attorney secures information that will free him. Soon he is on his way to New York City and a new life as an artist. |
© 2000 The Red Pathway Learning Center & Foundation, Inc.
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Wind Wolf Woman |