Cover: That Bird Has My Wings by Jarvis Jay Masters
This September, San Quentin death row inmate, Jarvis Jay Masters published the remarkable story of his journey to faith and spiritual freedom, THAT BIRD HAS MY WINGS: the Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row. By his enlightened tone and perspective, one would not imagine that the path he traveled to reach this point was so fraught with unspeakable tragedy, violence and pain.
It’s the story of an entire life spent falling through the branches of society – from the high boughs of innocence through foster homes, group homes and institutions to a final, leaden landing on death row – getting battered all the way, never finding a solid grip to stop the building downward momentum. Born to a heroin-addicted mother and institutionalized from a young age, even during his years of freedom, Masters found only rare moments of peace while he continued to be led by anger and despair.
After 19 years on earth, his actions led him to San Quentin on armed robbery charges and in a few years that bad turned to worse when he was convicted of being an accessory in the murder of a prison guard and sentenced to death. It was only then, several years later, that Masters was able to find his inner peace and converted to Buddhism. While incarcerated, he attracted the attention of the American Buddist community and published numerous articles as well as his first book, FINDING FREEDOM.
THAT BIRD HAS MY WINGS is a cautionary tale for anyone who might be tempted to follow in his footsteps and a reminder to everyone that all children deserve to be loved and to matter.
In 2008, the California Supreme Court ordered an evidenciary hearing based on the lack of substantial evidence for Masters’ conviction. There is now a movement to free him. For more info visit, www.freejarvis.org.
