I was 12 years old at my first boarding school, in Ireland. The bump on my head was the result of an older boy putting putting me in a choke hold, lifting me over onto his back, and then letting go after I’d passed out. I only got three of the best as a result, for fighting. My way of getting striking back? I began collecting screws, removing them from doors and windows and anything else I could. The school literally began falling apart. As I look back now, I see I was as much at war with myself as I was with Them, a war that continues even now.
A group I recently joined would have a particular way of seeing the attached letter. I see things differently. I am searching for answers, not excuses. Life is too short, and I’ve wasted too much of mine.
Letter Home, March 3, 1977
How are you? I’m terrible It was nice to hear your voice last Sunday. Things are really bad. I don’t want to be separated from you ever again. I am not learning much. I think that the rules are rotten and I can’t bear it. How’s Brandy? I had to put a padlock on my wooden locker to keep thieves out. All my writing paper and envelopes have disappeared. Please send me lots of letters. Already I was sick for four days. I had a big bump on my head and had to get x-rays, and I’ve had German Measles all in 1-2 weeks. My rabbit is fine and I am growing a chestnut. It grew almost a foot in 1 week. Now it is dividing into two. What are we doing in English? Reading a book and learning nothing. The book is called Julius Caesar. I read part of a book called Transistor Electronics. I read about sources of energy, AC-DC motors, and generators. I plan to build a boat next week of Balsa wood. Here is the plan. It probably not to scale because I used cm and converted using 2.5cm for an inch. Well it’s time to say goodbye.
P.S. Send my shoes for Church.