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Prose of a Con

Poetry and Prose by Russell Wardlow

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no mea culpa

March 20, 2021 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

contrary to public preference and expectations
I’m not sorry for the laws I disobeyed
ONLY the people I hurt
if opportunity was created equal
then the system imposed,
would not punish the very iniquities and inequalities it creates
I’ve apologized too many times
for too many things that I shouldn’t have had to
and to people that do not deserve it
when forced to feel smaller
what’s the point of an expectation of being a bigger man
besides submission to powerlessness?
my only question is
whose moral compass am I supposed to follow?
my own?
yours?
or everyone else’s?
… just thought I’d give you a chance to hear your own answer

Filed Under: Inside

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Prose of a Con

Prose of a Con is a collection of Russell Wardlow’s prose and poetry written entirely behind bars. Through writings on family, spirituality, freedom, love, justice, redemption, and vulnerability, Russell seeks to show the humanity and hope of individuals like himself who are incarcerated.

Read More

  • Barefoot Bravado April 8, 2021
  • What is Darker than Dark? April 8, 2021
  • Dear Correctional Officer April 8, 2021
  • Deep-end April 8, 2021
  • Scribing My Pulse April 8, 2021

Themes

  • Culture
  • Inside
  • Love
  • Mercy
  • Spirit
  • Trauma

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