The lights blink on and off in the cell block, but not from Christmas cheer. The prison is old and in much need of repair. I have a Christmas card taped to my wall, I put it up with chewing gum so that it will stay put. The photo shows my daughter another year older. I watch her through photographs while I complete my time. It is like being a stranger looking into my old life. The warden lets us sing Christmas songs, at least those of us who still believe. Many just sit in their cells waiting for the season to pass. We get our Christmas packages right before Christmas day. A few packs of cookies and what ever else the state thinks we should have. I lay back on my bunk and look through the ***** window onto the snow covered yard. I try to suppress the loneliness I feel as they call lights out at Christmas time.