March 5, 2025March 5, 2025 by debradesvignes

“What I Regret” by Aaron B.

What I regret saying
is not saying enough.

I regret saying I love you
but never really saying it.

I regret cooking you dinner
that I never even cooked.

I regret holding you longer than I should
when I never held you when I could.

But what I regret most
is not saying it at all.

Aaron B., Indiana Prison Writers Workshop (in Alabama) participant

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"The Indiana Prison Writers Workshop, offered in Alabama correctional facilities, gives a unique opportunity for personal growth. Classes encourage creativity and critical thinking, helping in rehabilitation while contributing significantly to a safer, more constructive prison environment."
– Randy Walker, president of CORE, a partner of Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC)

"This essential program helps Indiana's incarcerated find their purpose through creative writing and allows a space for healing while building communication and critical thinking skills. These things are important for successful reintegration into society."
– Rob Carter, former commissioner, Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), retired sheriff

"After returning home from Vietnam, I started drinking heavily. I had never received counseling. Indiana Prison Writers Workshop became my therapy.” – Indiana Prison Writers Workshop student (52 years incarcerated on a life sentence)

“This program intellectually and emotionally resuscitates broken people; it reinvigorated me and motivated me to publish my first book.”
– Landis R., Indiana Prison Writers Workshop student

“After being a part of IPWW, it makes it easier when writing home to my kids.” – William W., Indiana Prison Writers Workshop student