Putting Dignity Aside

We were perpetually covered with lice because we had no way of avoiding it. We tried various methods to steam them and so on but we were always lousy. You know, today a hot shower is still a great experience for me. In some ways going to work, especially in the shipyard, had some positive benefits. We became very adept thieves, we would steal food, we became black marketeers trading and selling amongst the Japanese. Now if the Japanese ever got caught or if we ever got caught it could cost you your life but when you’re starving, you’d be surprised at what you will do to gain some food, even orange peels on the floor of the Japanese cafeteria. Orange peels might be hard on your dignity but you soon learn to put your dignity behind you and be grateful for the orange peels.