Twas the night before …

Twas The Night Before... By: JEFFERY A. SHOCKLEY-[ID] ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas And all through the prisons Not a prisoner was stirring Just paying the price For decades old decisions Some Mended socks Hung on makeshift Clotheslines for those who'd dare In hopes they'd dry in the nightime Circulated artificial air The Inmates were restless Still locked in their beds As visions of freedom Did dance in their heads Each In their Brown T-Shirts And state issued briefs Some making promises, changing for keeps While I on the other hand Unable to sleep Sending another submission for PJP1 When out on The the upper tier There arose such a clatter I set down my tablet to see What was the matter The 10-6 shift Corrections Officer Unlively and thick I thought for a second "Is that St. Nick? While Most still Asleep throughout The compound Just another day for many Here living in [prison] browns On Corrections Officers, The occasional Sergeant to see Making sure the prisoners Secure in their keep 1. Prison Journalism Project.org Better for all Them not hearing a peep Pepper spray and handcuff's On the ready abound In plain sight as the Officer's Routinely Do their rounds Along the top tier now Some changing their pace Their mind would wander As the count they did take The count lights Came on signaling the day Excited In His Love To my Lord I now pray Standing to our feet Many without a cheer I'm hoping others could be free Notwithstanding Being here. I exclaimed in joy As the guards changed their shift Merry Christmas to all We've been given a gift Happy Birthday to baby Jesus It doesn't get any better Nothing greater than this