Dear Hopefully Pen Friend,

I truly hope this letter will find your health wonderful and your state of being joyous, and most of all, may the divinity of God's love always be with you in this every-changing, uncertain world.

Well, as for myself, I'm doing well as expected living under the circumstances that compels my attitude, characteristics and personality.

I am quite sure that this letter has come upon you suddenly, abrupt and quite by surprise, but please believe me when I expound upon the fact that my intentions aren't to bore you with words which might prove to be inconsequential and meaningless.

First, I will ask that you allow me the liberty to introduce myself, and much more, my reason for writing you.

My name is Leroy Thomas, and I'm a 42-year-old African American Death Row prisoner. An individualist, critical, analytical, organic-intellectual. A writer, poet, philosopher, avid chess-player and prison litigator who possesses a self-taught critical acumen, which I employ in the struggle for the freedom of both myself and other oppressed people.

Thus, you will find that my ultimate reason for writing you is in the hope of becoming your pen pal, and , most importantly, your friend.

Please understand that I'm not just speaking of just any kind of friendship. The friendship I'm speaking of is the only thing (besides love, nothing intended) one cannot give too much of. The friendship I'm speaking of is genuine with a firmness and discipline of its own for which there can be no substitute; it can never harm, inhibit or spoil. It can only benefit – mentally.

If I hear from you, I will tell you of my ideals, my concepts, the primordial function that makes me who I am. If I don't here from you, remember: don't be the jug and cold water that pour upon yourself - - smell the flowers, take in the sun, dance with the wind, and live.

Leroy Thomas
#AM2728
SCI Greene
175 Progress Drive
Waynesburg
PA 15370-8089
USA