ArtWork by Billy Ray Riggs
Cherokee Indian/Black/German





Billy Ray Riggs # J-41800
5-EB-96
San Quentin State Prison
San Quentin, CA 94974
USA

On Death Row

What I am seeking is "Correspondence & Visits" for the sake of friendship.
Someone who's sincere, and able to empathize with my adverse situation, in terms
of moral support etc.
Historical literature, poetry, artwork, classical music, are just some of the subjects
of my interest, and my willingness to learn more. I am not afraid to share or
express my sensitivity and emotions. Will write to any female.

POPPA LOVE
Our Relationship


POPPA LOVE

It seems like more and more people I meet have convenient or temporary relationships.
Since I grew up in a home where strong commitment existed between my parents, I find it
hard to understand couples who are ready to split when storms arise. People who are raised
in broken homes or where marriage exists only as a convenience or as long as it is self
serving must also have a difficult time comprehending "a commitment that will last until the
grave". Many times, I talked with men who are seperating from the spouse for whatever the
reason and a mental picture of Dr. love comes to my mind. A few years after meeting this
gentleman I gave him the honorary Doctorate of love degree because I didn't know his last
name. He needed a "handle" and a title of respect since he taught me more than most of my
college professors at U.C.L.A.

It happened one evening after visiting a friend's father at the hospital and as I passed the
nurse's station, one of my nurse friends whom I had dated several times said, "Hey Pops,
take a minute and go down to room 106 and just knock on the door", I said, "Just knock on
the door and that's it"? "Yeah, just knock on the door, as she brushed back her beautiful long
hair, that's all you need to do". I was really suspicious now, no names, no clue as to what I
was going to find. So I quizzed her once again. "Janny, don't I need to know names and
details? What I am getting into"?
Her eypression was one of, I am not going to tell you again, just do what I said! Without any
words I did an about face, and wondered had she been bragging about my physical
endowment that I was blessed with a birth to her girl friends who worked at the hospital? As
I walked down to 106 as instructed and knocked. Opening the door was a distinguished
elderly gent with a fatherly smile and comforting eyes. He was first to speak with the words;
"Come on in young man, my name is Festus and this is my bride Marie", as he focused his
attention on a small bald head in the bed. She had lost so much weight that her body only
caused the covers to rise a little and she looked like a bald head in the bed. "And what is
your name son?" He asked. "Pops," I said. "Honey, this is Pops who has come to see you."
Quietly, he said, "She doesn't look like much now, but she's my baby, Pops, and here's our
family. This is our wedding picture, we've been married for over sixty years, and this is a
picture of our first house. Wasn't she beautiful, Pops?" "Yes sir, she's a beautiful girl, sir," I
said. "Are you married Pops?" "Let me tell you something, son. When you do get yourself a
girl, love your girl, she's a gift from God and you cannot love her too much. Pamper her,
treasure her and give her love. Love only her and when you come to this point in your life
you can look at your baby and honestly say, "It's just been you and me baby." Then Pops,
you can be hat you have to be, you won't have to hide a thing."

I looked around the hospital room as I tried to get my throat back and I noticed that it wasn't
a hospital room at all; it was a room from their home. The bed tray had a large doily on it and
one of those wind-up ticking clocks we used to see so much. There was a braided rug on the
floor probably made by Marie, and the walls were covered with pictures. If Marie would
have come out of the coma for an instant, she would have felt the love of her home and her
husband. He had planned it that way. "Well, Pops, thanks for coming by to see Marie and
me, and remember son, love your baby." He said as he opened the door. "I will sir. I will." I
said, using all the words I could make. Then walking down the corridor I passed the nurses
station and saw my friend Janny with a big smile on her face and her pretty lips whispering,
"I will see you tonight Pops." I winked and said, "I will see you tonight sugar, and thanks."

Thanks for the experience of a life time. A lesson in fidelity and commitment and a challenge
to a younger single man when ever he did find his baby. I have never found my baby, and I
would love to find her before I leave this earth. I do hope that you like my story and will help
find my baby?
Your friend forever! Pops

© copyright by Billy Ray Riggs


Our Relationship

What you and I share is real and rare
It's a testimony proving how much we care;
And love one another with all our heart,
It will take an act of God for us to part.

When times are tough, we're by each others side
And together we've laughed, smiled and cried;
But most of all, we've loved through thick an thin,
To see this come to an end would be sin.

We can talk about whatever is on our mind
That, in relationships, is hard to find;
But we have it ours and it works so well,
Life without you is a living hell.

You gave me the chance to let you see
That there's still lots of love inside me;
How shall I say thanks? Here's what I'll do,
I'll heap all the benefits straight to you.

I will stimulate your soul with lots of T.L.C.
So that every time you smile, will be cause of me;
And the bond between us will always be strong,
Cause I would never ever do you wrong.

So, love of my life, take my hand and go
Where joy unrestrained does not freely flow;
And together we'll enjoy all there is to love,
It's all the things that dreams are made of.

© copyright by Billy Ray Riggs