The Moth Podcast Episode Summary: "Sing Sing Tattoo" by Ted Conover
Introduction In the March 30, 2009 episode of The Moth titled "Sing Sing Tattoo," Ted Conover delivers a poignant narrative that delves into the complexities of life within Sing Sing Prison. Recorded live at The Moth's main stage, Conover shares his experiences as a prison guard and his unexpected connection with an inmate named Dela Cruz. This story explores themes of isolation, redemption, and the human capacity for change.
Life Inside Sing Sing Prison Ted Conover begins by painting a vivid picture of the oppressive environment within Sing Sing Prison during the hot summer months. He describes the cell blocks as vast, warehouse-like structures where inmates reside, emphasizing the harsh conditions:
"Sing Sing Prison has been there 170 years. The passage of inmates from Manhattan to Sing Sing gave rise to the phrase 'up the river,' which describes the way they got there." ([02:30])
Conover explains the outdated design of the prison facilities, particularly the massive cell blocks A and B, which collectively house over a thousand inmates. He remarks on the chaos and impersonal nature of such a punitive environment:
"Prisons don't work when they're this big. They're chaotic, they're impersonal, they're harmful in all kinds of ways." ([04:15])
Encounter with Dela Cruz Amidst this backdrop, Conover introduces Dela Cruz, a late-20s inmate with a striking appearance—his muscular build highlighted by numerous homemade tattoos. One particular tattoo captures his attention: the word "assassin" prominently displayed in three-inch letters. However, it's the extensive script covering Dela Cruz's entire back that intrigues Conover.
"Every single inch of his back was covered in script. And from what I could see, I just caught a brief glimpse. It was in Spanish." ([05:05])
Conover's curiosity leads him to inquire about the tattoo, discovering that it purportedly contains a poem. Initially, Dela Cruz is evasive, responding cryptically:
"That's a poem, man. That's a poem... Oh, no, nothing." ([06:20])
Breaking Through the Barrier Determined to uncover the meaning behind the tattoo, Conover engages further with Dela Cruz, learning about his troubled past and multiple felony convictions. Their conversations reveal Dela Cruz's contemplative nature and desire for redemption:
"I'm thinking about my next job. And I thought, wow, he's thinking, you know, this is good." ([07:45])
Recognizing an opportunity to connect, Conover offers to provide Dela Cruz with a copy of "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank—against prison regulations—to help him identify the poem in question.
The Revelation After diligently searching various editions of Anne Frank's diary and consulting with experts, Conover discovers that the supposed poem does not exist within the book. Faced with this contradiction, he returns to Dela Cruz, who confirms that the tattoo was indeed inspired by Anne Frank but not directly from her diary.
"It's the last sentence of a Diary of a Young Girl. 'When everybody starts hovering over me, I get cross, then sad, and finally end up turning my heart inside out...'" ([10:50])
This profound realization reveals that Dela Cruz had etched a transformative and personal interpretation of Anne Frank's final thoughts, symbolizing his own struggle and longing for change.
Insights and Reflections Conover reflects on the deeper implications of his interaction with Dela Cruz, highlighting the emotional barriers that often exist between prison staff and inmates. He underscores the difficulty officers face in confronting the raw humanity of those they oversee:
"I understood a lot more about officers... who don't want to find out about inmates, officers who I think at the end of the day couldn't bear the sadness of what they'd find learning about inmates." ([11:30])
This encounter serves as a catalyst for Conover's departure from the state service, motivated by the realization of the profound disconnect and the emotional toll it exacts on both inmates and officers.
Conclusion Ted Conover's "Sing Sing Tattoo" offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of inmates and the challenges faced by those who work within the prison system. Through his relationship with Dela Cruz, Conover explores themes of identity, expression, and the elusive quest for redemption. This story not only humanizes the incarcerated but also critiques the impersonal structures that perpetuate isolation and hinder meaningful connection.
Notable Quotes:
- Ted Conover: "Prisons don't work when they're this big. They're chaotic, they're impersonal, they're harmful in all kinds of ways." ([04:15])
- Dela Cruz: "I'm thinking about my next job... the job I'm gonna pull, man." ([07:45])
- Dela Cruz: "It is the best book I have ever read. I cry all the way through." ([09:30])
- Ted Conover: "I understood a lot more about officers... who couldn't bear the sadness of what they'd find learning about inmates." ([11:30])
Final Thoughts "Sing Sing Tattoo" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging divides and fostering empathy. Through honest and raw narration, Ted Conover invites listeners to contemplate the profound human stories that lie behind the walls of Sing Sing Prison.