Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Condemned to a Possible Death Sentence? I was listening today to Public Radio featuring A narrative about a woman who was Wrongfully convicted unjustly to a death sentence For a crime she did not commit. After 17 years of solitary confinement, And pro bono help from volunteer attorneys, She was absolved of the crime and released To a new world of a lost family and a totally new start. I was also condemned to isolation and possible death, While I was living in Turkiye on my new teaching job. Suddenly, I was coughing up blood and feeling very weak. I had been travelling, and had to make it back to Turkiye. Tuberculosis, probably from my childhood, Reared its head and condemned me to several months of isolation And several overlapping medications to stabilize my condition. I was condemned and isolated in my little apartment, Where my coworkers were wary of visiting because of the disease. Just as the condemned woman kept herself busy, I practiced several arts to occupy my mind and remain somewhat sane. I had learned about the intentional language, Esperanto, While travelling through Bulgaria. I purchased a 12-Step 'Teach Yourself Esperanto' and 'went to town'. After a few weeks, I ordered various literature materials And started reading. The language is so learner-compatible, That I read half a page, before resorting to a dictionary! My 'cello was my musical companion, upon which I practiced Each day to the point of evening exhaustion! During this time, I also started composing A flute and 'cello 12-Tone System duet. At that time I wrote a couple of scientific articles, Along with many letters to colleagues and friends. Without these diversions, I would have been totally lost. As with confinement, isolation of any kind must be contended with. The gregarious behavior of humans is a very powerful need And must always be pursued in all conditions. To be completely isolated, is to gradually destroy all humanity in a person. Frank Maurer 29 March 2024 1300 Hours.