To Kill a Mockingbird ; A Different Perspective

The Journal of Tom Robinson: His Final Days

Kimbralee Garcia

Post University

130: English

Professor Nicole Beaudwin

10-16-2022

Monday

It’s a Monday morning. At least, I think it is. It’s hard to tell to be honest. There are no windows to know for sure. It feels like an eternity, and yet like time isn’t even real at all. It’s funny what people think about being alone for so long. I reckon a person isn’t made to be alone with his thoughts for too long. It gets harder to recognize another‘s voice. That’s why I thought I’d write this journal. So I can remember who I am. And maybe so others can better understand who I once was. I miss my wife and my kids. I remember when they was born. I was so proud and overjoyed. I try to think of things and moments like this to make the time go by. But it’s bittersweet because it makes me sad while thinking I may never see them again. Or feel my precious wife’s soft hands brush up against my forehead. Every time I would be worried, or I felt defeated by the world out there. She always made it OK to face it again somehow. They told me I am to go to trial. I didn’t know they wouldn’t hear my side of the story Before making such a decision. But I reckon I don’t know much. And even though I’m here, my heart is heavy for Miss Mayella. She isn’t safe. Her daddy isn’t a good man. I only can pray God intervenes. But they say the truth always wins, so I reckon not to worry myself too much. I’m tired now. I will write again tomorrow.

Tuesday

Today I got a visit from Mr. Finch. He came to tell me that he would be my lawyer. And that way, he will get my side of the story a chance to be heard. If anybody can, I know it’s him. At least, I sure hope so. Mr. Atticus finch has always been a good man. Like I said, if anyone can help me, he certainly can. And I am grateful for him and his determination. It’s so dark and sad this sailed. I think I miss seeing the sun almost as much as I miss my family. I can’t wait to see them both again.

Wednesday

I knew that going to court in front of all the townspeople and Miss Mayella and her family wouldn’t be easy. Mr. Finch had warned me already. But it was still not enough to prepare me for what happened today. Mr. Finch apologized to me for the behaviors of the townspeople. He said he felt ashamed by the way I was treated because of the color of my skin. I told him he ought not to worry himself about such things like that. And then, I made sure to thank him again for all his kind help and for not passing the same judgment as the rest of them. I reckon Mr. Finch is probably having to deal with his fair share of harassment too. He would never let me know that, though. I hope nothing happens to him or his lovely family On the counter mean. I hope the truth does it man free.

Thursday

I can’t believe what is happening. I keep thinking it’s a dream. How could Miss Mae Ella get up on the stand in line in front of the judge and in front of God like that? I tried to protect her! But her daddy, Bob, was always drinking. He isn’t a good man. I don’t understand how the judge couldn’t smell the whiskey on Miss Mayella’s daddy. I sure could. Or how come Miss Mayella’s fear couldn’t be seen as clearly by everyone as it was to me? I will keep praying for them all. And for me too. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better than today.

Friday

I am writing this entry through the Sting and blur of my tears. A man or not cry. It isn’t suitable for the ones who rely on you for protection from this world to be allowed to see the emotions of sadness or fear. My granddaddy always told me that. He said it would cause the same sadness or fear to be felt by the ones I was to protect. It’s important they always feel secure. I don’t much feel that way now. I am trying to remember my faith. But I will admit it is becoming a memory. And I’m angry. I’m mad that I was lied to. I’ve been told to do right, and all will be OK in life And now finding out that there is no such thing as right if your skin color is wrong. That is not the way it ought to be. I saved Miss Mela. I would never have harmed her. I only ever have to help that poor woman. She was always so kind. Lonely, I could tell that much. But kind. I hate to think about what horrible things Miss Mela must have endured that would make her scream and live through tears. And in front of the quart room, most notably, in front of God. It makes my stomach feel sick. As a father, I cannot understand how her daddy could do such unspeakable things to the child he is to protect from such evils. I know he will one day meet his soul in front of God. And I imagine he will suffer worse than a wheel here on earth now. I can only try to understand it that way because it isn’t fair. I didn’t do anything but help. Mr. Finch says we will keep fighting. I told him to run home and hug his kids real tight. Because tomorrow is never promised, and I wish I would have done the same before court that day. Had I known the truth was only heard if it was white, I would have hugged my family and never let go. I’ll find out in a few days if I will ever get to you again. I will keep praying for Miss Mayella and her daddy‘s soul. And I will also pray that he has mercy upon mine.

Monday

I wasn’t able to write any this past few days. It’s so dark here when there’s no court. Sometimes I don’t even think there’s anybody even here at all. It makes it seem not real. I go here soon. I will keep praying . And write later. Hopefully from my porch swinging with my kids . And the smell of biscuits coming from inside welcoming me home.

Monday Night

Today I stood in the quart room with Hope. Mr. Finch is a good man and an equally as good lawyer. Even he stumbled back a little when the all wet Jerry had no question about finding me guilty of those horrific crimes. I’ve never seen my wife fall apart like that. She’s always been the strong one. It killed mean to see and know it was because of me. How can people just hurt another person Question how can they destroy a innocent family? How can he turn the other cheek and allow for Miss Mayella to remain living in danger? And let that monster remain free? It doesn’t seem right. I thought right always wins. I thought a lot of things I guess. I thought differently of people. They said I ship out to the Enfield prison farm first thing in the morning. Mr. Finch says we will appeal and fight until the truth finally brings justice. He says that he will stick with me through it all. I believe him he’s a good man. I am a good man. I’ve heard that the prison isn’t all that bad. They say it’s a farm and I will be outside working most of the time. I will pray for Miss Mayella and I will be sure to thank God that at least i’m going to a place where I will be able to see the sun every day. It will remind me of my family. And it will give me something to look forward to each day. I’m very nervous. The next time I ride I will be there and I reckon everything will be OK. I will continue to pray for everyone.

Lee, H. (2020). To kill a mockingbird. Arrow Books