Nativity

Paper was a hoarded commodity. Cared for and traded, prisoners were shocked when a nativity made mainly of paper appeared in the rec hall.

The artist used every conceivable material for the display. There were scraps stolen from trashcans, straw from the dog-pen, and cigarette paper. Anything not useable for lining boots, stuffing thin jackets, hanging on walls to stop the wind, rain, and cold from seeping into the huts was fair game.

The anonymous artist's heart grew full, and he choked back tears as he stood back and soaked in the appreciation of the fellow inhabitants of Stalag 13.