The State Night Before Christmas (2024)
By Jeffery S.
Twas the night before Christmas, and here all throughout,
The state penal institution, aka, “The Big House”;
General population, disgruntled, unable to move about,
“This is not fair!” I heard someone shout.
Our dayroom was canceled, for reasons unknown,
Perhaps the correction staff, impatient, eager to get home.
As if we were naughty children told, “PLEASE SHUT UP!”
We were ordered, “LOCK IT IN!” an hour before time was up.
No holiday spirit, I quickly surmised,
Over “time-in,” not really a surprise.
Looking out the cell window, off in the distance, flickers a little town,
Adorned with holiday decorations, arranged all around.
Rooftop Santas and reindeer silhouettes,
Fresh snow on the razor wire, as pure as it gets.
Flakes twinkling like diamonds, shimmering so bright,
The moon hung high, never more luminous than this night.
Behind me, upon the steel-framed bunk bed,
I can’t imagine what’s there in his head.
My cellmate tosses restlessly there in his sleep,
Flatulence and bad breath through the air did creep.
His snoring grows louder; to wake him, I do not dare.
I sit in my solace, trying not to care.
I surrender to my thoughts, like no one is near,
Comprehending the pains caused that’ve brought me here.
My former way of living, negativity often sought,
By way of correctional intervention, yielding, I was caught.
Silent tears again do fall,
Family and friends—I miss them all.
I pray they’re safely at home, wrapped in their beds,
As I long for the words I wish I’d said.
Wrestling in this moment, still, I treasure this day.
With a liberating sigh, in these words I pray:
“O hear me, Lord, as these words I speak:
My family and friends, I pray you keep.
Watch them, please, as they go to and fro;
No greater love than You shall we know.
I pray for those within this abode,
All of us wishing we could be at home.
Thank You for Your grace and mercy true,
That which has helped so many make it through.
Trials and tribulations—we’ve all caused a few.
Let us never forget others we’ve made suffer too.”
The hour draws near; time has crept on by.
Joy fills my heart as I gaze up to the sky.
Into the world, the Child is born,
A time of chaos, division, people morally torn.
A gift to all, in dire times,
Even those residing here, for our crimes.
No man greater can one lay claim;
May we all take heed, come away unchained.
Surrender your old life—you’ll never be the same,
Unless you want heartache and pain to remain.
And to all, good night—a time to behold,
Isn’t this prison life really getting old?
Merry Christmas, one and all.
May we all be united and forever standing tall.
Wishing everyone I’ve met along this journey
A safe and happy New Year.
In His Love, Jeffery S.
Please know sincerely how much each of you are valued and appreciated for who you are. The work you do to uplift and encourage others is not for nothing. Thank you for touching my life.
