The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-03-13
Boys, Go Home to the Old Folks.

In conversation among the young fellows
whose lives have so far been failures as to
land them here in prison. great many will
say. well, don't think l would have
come here if L had let my old folks know |
was in trouble, for they are well-fxed and
have plenty of influence. and the old man
would do anything for me if would only
come home and settle down." And great
many of these young men are not habitual
or confirmed criminals. but young fellows
that have always earned an honest living
by honest toll. until one false move on the
checker board of life has procured them
residence here among the fallen of the earth
for term of months or perhaps years.
Conversng with representative of this
class, some time since, asked: well. do
you intend going home to the old folks on
your release from here?" mo, wont 90
until get well fixed; would not go back
broke" Ashamed to acknowledge him
self a failure. A very commendable feel
ing. and perfectly natural, but all honest
confession is good for the soul, and "Try
try again" is a good motto. But why not
go back to the old folks when they need
you, and try there? Would not man sue
coed better with mothers constant blessing,
and fathers ever ready advice? What though
some of the neighbOrS do sheer at you.
They are narrow minded. ignorant people
The better class will commend your &C
ton and honor you for your honesty in &C
knowledging yourself beaten land for return
ing to the old ways and the old place to
cheer mothers lonely heart and Tighten
fathers burden.
How often in our lonely cells we set mo
tiOnleSs and unoccupied while memory
wanders back, perhaps over years. to. it
maybe, an old farmhouse EMPOWERED in
green forest trees, and at the door. as the
bright daylight fades into the cleaning. with
memOry'S eye we see our mother looking
wistfully down the road for her boy; and as
the darker shades OF night shut out from
view the long dusty road and sweet green
fields. she turns back into the house. We
know she signs and says: Not to day; but
he may come back, and may God help him
wherever he may be-" And the sturdy old
man at work in the field. stops his team at
the end of the fulrOw. and taking off his
hat. wipes the sweat from his weather
anu iOpho lOllSiIISlS VII dClOSS
the fields; and we feel sure he is wishing
for the return of the brave young son. who
not satisfied with his slow, simple country
life. left home long ago to win fame and
fortune in the great busy world. And the
feeling is strong upon us to return and re-
ceive mothers kiss and fathers hearty
grasp of the hand as he says. welcome
home my boy" For no matter what troubles
have befallen us, nor what trials we have
passed through. we always feel sure of a
loving greeting and hearty welcome from
the old folks at home.
Then. l say. 60 back. boys. and never
mind the humiliation nor the sneers OF the
ignorant few-yOu will know that you are
doing right and that knowledge will serve
you to prosper. We are sure to find trouble
and obstacles in our way when again we
enter the world outside these walls no mat
ter where we go. If we can smooth the
path of those who have borne so much for
US. during the afternoons and evenings of
their lives. surely that is our duty. and
should be our pleasure. So, l repeat. 'boys,
70 home to the old folks" PATRIc1o.