War of Attrition

Segregation is like slow torture. The continuous monotony of being locked in a cell for 23 hours a day, the lack of any meaningful activities or programming—no school or anything, the non-stop noise, which at times can be deafening, the palpable levels of anger, frustration and hostility which because of segregation inmates constantly express and direct towards one another, the consistent stench as a result of mentally disturbed prisoners relieving themselves on their floors, refusing showers and throwing bodily fluids, and the denial of basic privileges which are common to general population such as access to the telephones, reasonable visiting hours, easy and flexible access to the libraries and other prison legal service, denial of store goods—a variety of hygiene products, snacks, etc… All of these things combine to really wear on you emotionally, Intellectually and spiritually like a war of attrition.

(10 years in long-term segregation)
Michigan, Marquette Branch Prison