Prison may be the closest thing to hell on earth, but this, too, is a paradox because God is there. I've seen him time and time again. I drove to work under blue West Texas skies. I watched mourning dove take flight, and smiled as herds of cattle grazed without a care. This pastoral scene offered temporary peace, but was not a prelude of things to come.
Prison is dangerous.
Let down your guard or become too comfortable and you get hurt. The wind carried their chant. An officer on horseback, armed and watchful, would touch the brim of his hat and give a formal nod. Another time and place he might smile in greeting, but we both know he dares not do so now. Smiles are a weakness in prison.