In looking at the impact of imprisonment, the author describes the solitude of the long-term prisoner, lack of sunshine and exercise, inertia, hopelessness, vulnerability, feelings of unworthiness, and the tension between prison guards and inmates. The author believes that in order to improve the lives of prisoners they should be introduced to art, poetry, music, and sports. Prison programs are criticized as being hastily conceived, poorly planned, inadequately staffed, and severely underfunded. It is argued that no plan exists on a local or State level that offers a practical, coordinated approach to the reduction of confinement for the long-term offender. Substance abuse is described as a great problem for young offenders, who are mostly from the underclass. The author calls for a reassessment of prison issues to deal with this population and urges a redefinition of priorities in favor of rehabilitation, rather than absolute punishment; quality control of guards' performance; and structured community programs for reintegration of long-term offenders into society.