Seven
On this day in 2004 I left Marion Correctional Institution after spending nearly eleven years behind bars and came home to Elyria. Hard to believe it's been seven years. Hard to believe I was ever in prison in the first place.
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About Jesus Crisis
John Burroughs,
a.k.a. Jesus Crisis, is a pacifist, poet, playwright, musician, composer, bibliophile, and seeker in Elyria, Ohio.
Co-founder (with Dianne Borsenik) of the monthly Lix and Kix Poetry Extravaganza and the annual winter wordfest known as Snoetry, John is also the founding editor and publisher for Crisis Chronicles Press and a regular contributor to the Cleveland Poetics and Ohio Poetry Association blogs. Since 2011 he has served as the OPA's webmaster pro tem.
John founded a loose association called Poets of Lorain County, under whose auspices he's hosted regular open mic and featured poet events at the Avon Lake Public Library and the Lorain Arts Council's 737 Gallery, as well as the PoetryElyria series at Jim's Coffeehouse and Diner, the Scott M. Duncan Photography studio and other venues in his hometown.
John's work has appeared on stages in four states, as well as in numerous journals, and he is the author of six poetry chapbooks, including:
Water Works (Recycled Karma Press, 2012)
Electric Company (Writing Knights Press, 2011)
6/9: Improvisations in Dependence by Jesus Crisis (Crisis Chronicles Press, 2009)
Identity Crises by Doug Manson, JC and Bree (Green Panda Press, 2009)
Bloggerel by JC (Crisis Chronicles Press, 2008)
Two broadsides featuring his work, For Change Is and Low Kay Shun, are available from NightBallet Press.
Visit the Crisis Chronicles home page or his Crisis Blog to learn more about John.Subscribe Via Feed
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The Tao of Jesus Crisis: Seven
So in 2015 you'll have been out as long as you were in.
This was my favorite period for Prince songs -- songs like Cream.
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Today I celebrate by going to the sheriff's office for my annual registration. Come June 2014 I'll no longer have to do that.
Here's another favorite Prince song from that vertile (very fertile) period.
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7 years should be a good luck year John.
I'm grateful.... I would never have made your acquaintance nor met all the other wonder friends I made thru you.. or perhaps discovered a love for poetry. so glad you are free. and glad you have a happy life being free..
They say freedom (like health) is something one takes somewhat for granted until it is taken from you... I'm sure you must cherish it in a way I can no't appreciate.
So when are you finally going to write your book about your time behind bars.. ever? or finally this summer on your retirement schtick?
June 2014 will be a real day to celebrate then,,,
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Seven years of being on parole and having no way to get a job since there are background checks before hiring anyone in nearly every business. Registering as a sex offender isn't real freedom. It is just an extension of prison since it limits freedom of where one can live, what jobs one can get, and even where one can travel.
I think you are amazing to have overcome all this and have made a name and a way to survive, write poetry, music and achieve what you have managed to do with all these restrictions and I hope all your friends recognize your talent as I do. I wish you the very best, John and hope that your muse and angel stay with you and that you can achieve your dreams. With love, Elena
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Although we have never met in person, your drive and energy has motivated me to better my way of handling poetry in my life. Seven years....times infinity, for you are free now.. forever free.
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I'm tempted to quote Kristofferson: "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." But I think you know better than him. At least I hope so.
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