May Simmons
Bio
I'm May Simmons. I live on breathtaking Flathead Lake Polson Mt. I do lots of things - prison reform, buy local, crafts and writing. I am on FB and Twitter.
Stories (7)
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Behind the Wire: Urban Shadows, Rural Light
Urban Shadows, Rural Light “A Country Boy Can Survive” (1982) by Hank Williams Jr. has always been my go-to song. It provided me with the strength and courage to confront my PREA abuser while incarcerated. The song holds a special place in my heart not only for its empowering message but also because of my personal connection to Hank Williams Jr. He resided in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, the same place where I was living when I became justice impacted. Although the song never reached number one, it is considered one of his signature tracks.
By May Simmons10 months ago in Criminal
Behind the Wire: Shadows of Oz
Prison is an unforgiving place. It grinds you down emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You might expect fellow incarcerated to support and uplift each other to succeed. However, that’s far from reality. Instead, the environment often fosters distrust and competition, making it even harder to maintain any sense of hope or even solidarity.
By May Simmons10 months ago in Criminal
Behind the Wire: Notes of Hope
Growing up in the predominantly white suburbs of DC, I was largely insulated from the struggles of marginalized groups. The household of my youth clung to its own belief of cultural norms. Especially my mother, who often looked down on music from the 70s and 80s. Despite my father’s Middle Eastern heritage, my parents were determined to conform to an elusive “white model,” though I never quite understood what that entailed. Amid a dysfunctional family with complex dynamics, I often found myself struggling to navigate my way through it.
By May Simmons10 months ago in Motivation
Building A Better Criminal Justice System
The President of the Montana Parole Board (Steve Hurd) conducted a hearing on 15 December 2022 which violated many legal and ethical principles. The hearing, chaired by the Board President was a direct a conflict of interest. No evidence was presented to affirm the ultimate decision. Nor was the candidate ever able to view anything supporting the hearing decision. The board's decision was not based on sound evidence, just hearsay.
By May Simmons3 years ago in Criminal
A little cowboy wisdom
Real life is better than fiction . . . Christmas 2021 I avoid shopping at all holidays, especially Christmas. It’s artificially created to spend money to feed capitalism. Shopping is equal to visiting a fire breathing dragon, after crossing a bridge guarded by an army of trolls. There is something wrong with a holiday who picks mascots like Santa and Jesus but faces off with the Great Pumpkin, Wicked Witch and Ghosts in the shopping isles.
By May Simmons3 years ago in Humans
The Crystal Keepers Saga
The night air was crisp, steam came off the horses as they trampled down the canyon. A half-moon shadowed the canyon. They were riding hard and fast. Hooves threw dirt rocks striking horse and rider. None felt it. Chests heaved all around. They were too focused on running. Fuel by fear. What was chasing them was too hideous for their imagination to accept. Suddenly the leader stopped, and the horses stopped with her as if on mental command. The leader was on the ground as her horse slid to a stop.
By May Simmons3 years ago in Fiction
