Arbeit macht frei: - Fredrick Töben

‘Good, you’re standing to attention – get your mattress and blankets!’.
‘Sir!’.
I do as I am commanded. The afternoon fades and food arrives again,
which I don’t even look at, but I have my usual cup of black tea. As the
sun’s reflected rays begin to move out of the cell I lie down and have no
problem falling asleep, and like my first night it is peaceful without any
remarkable dreams. I feel safe!
* * * * *
That first day in prison was an opportunity to lose weight, to regenerate my
eyes by not reading or looking at a computer screen, and by reflection
without being distracted by the proverbial hustle and bustle of our noisy
civilisation.
The second day goes well. Although a spot is found on the toilet bowl,
which I did not dispute although I know I didn’t miss it, my folded blankets
pass the test with the remarks that it is evident I took time to get them right,
which I did. My afternoon shower goes well and I am handed my new
prison clothes – jeans, T-shirt, briefs and socks and commanded to put
them on when I get to the cell.
An officer had already placed a large brown paper bag on my table. It is the
breakfast ration bag: seven small packets of cornflakes, 42 tea bags and as
many sugar bags, half-a-dozen coffee satchets, three small tubs each of jam
and peanut butter and about 40 margarine tubs. The temptation is there but
I resist devouring any of them.
* * * * *
Sunday morning begins well. I am out of my smock and I pass the
inspection with flying colours. I’m still barefooted. I am given the command
to collect my shoes from outside the door and put them on. But a problem
arises. From previous prison experience I know that basic sock issue is bad
because they cut into my ankles.
‘Put on your socks and shoes’.
‘Sir, permission to speak!’.
‘Yes’.
‘Sir, I have a medical condition. My legs …’.
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