The IN’s cover story this week explores the issue of prison privatization. Chasity Owens spoke about how her brother, Jason Owens, was attacked at a private prison in Florida operated by GEO Group, Inc. She attributes her brother’s attack—after Jason was left alone with another inmate—and subsequent death to the prison environment afforded by privatization.
Following Jason’s death, his mother, Gayle Ballard, wrote A Tribute to Jason. She shared it with us as we went to print …
A Tribute to Jason
No words I write could ever say
How sad and empty I feel today
The Angels came for you
Much sooner than I planned
I will brave the grief that comes
I will try my best to understand
Jason why did you have to go away
Why wasn’t it right for you to stay
In my heart Jason, you will always be
I know that you will watch over me
What I’m suffering seems so unfair
But one thing is for certain
My love for you will always be there
Jason my son, you will always be
The most important part of my heart’s memory
I will cherish the moments I held you in my arms
I am sure if you had of stayed longer
You would have graced me with your charms
A thousand words will not bring you back
I know because i have tried
Neither will a thousand tears
I know because I have cried
Now you are up in Heaven
With the Angels up above
They will take my place for now
They will give you all their love
Go rest in peace now
My Little Boy so dear
All my love and memories
I will hold forever near
Love Mom