The Ties that Bind Us

"The Ties that Bind Us" is a book of poetry mixed with free verse. The poems are written from the raw feelings Nanon Williams experienced while living in solitary confinement on Texas death row. Confined to a “black out cell,” Williams spent three years in total darkness with nothing but his memories and emotions to bring him solace. All of these poems describe the feelings that weighed heavy on his heart, mind and soul as he struggled to come to terms with the bleakness and despair of life in isolation. Written from a place few can imagine and even fewer will ever experience, the emotions expressed are innate to the human experience—a desire for love and human connection. Through his poetry, Williams demonstrates that there is a love that exists within us all. This love is in everything and everyone. If we choose to ignore it, the pain of separating from it remains a constant reminder of what we are missing. In the darkest, most removed prison cell in Texas’ Ellis Unit, Williams reconnected with this love. This book is that expression.