"To be in prison so long, it's difficult to remember exactly what you did to get there"

This quote by Jack Henry Abbott speaks to the difficulty of remembering the occasions that led to one's jail time. It suggests that the experience of remaining in jail for a long period of time can be so frustrating that it can be difficult to remember the details of the crime that caused the incarceration. This might be due to the passage of time, the psychological results of being in prison, or a combination of both. It could also be a reflection of the reality that lots of people in jail are not provided the opportunity to assess their previous actions and the effects of their options. The quote indicates that the experience of being in prison can be so disorienting that it can be hard to remember the information of the criminal offense that caused the jail time. This might be a suggestion to those in power to make sure that those in jail are provided the chance to assess their past actions and the effects of their options.