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Prose of a Con

Poetry and Prose by Russell Wardlow

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Under the Blanket

May 6, 2021 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

it’s a cold world
and that I’ve learned
I heard someone say
do not call it racism
call it poverty
then it sounds fixable
less people will empathize
they will be faulted for needing assistance
regarded as lazy and inept
it will appear economic
this is temporary
there is a solution to this
change your economic situation
by changing reality
so
get education
get a nice job
move family out of the ghetto
BUT
no matter where you move
no matter what degree you
no matter your neighborhood
you are STILL BLACK!
that is an UNCHANGEABLE fact
a truth-
your physiognomy
is your geography
is your reality-
and that is the first thing seen on you
the first truth you are known for
ethnocentricity
not your degree
job
nor neighborhood
so the problem is NOT economic
the label is NOT poverty
it is RACISM!
the only thing confusing is
your definition and understanding of
what racism is
and the rhetoric that hides it
call it discrimination
call it oppression
call it poverty
then it will seem as if resources will help you climb out
but not racism,
because it implies you are stuck,
do not call it racism!
because no one will admit to you that you are stuck
and they don’t want you to believe that you are
then there is no way to control a person with no options
or hope
yet what you suffer, is because the color of your skin..
my skin
and your denial
all of yours!
so the blanket drops
telling you to be, and stay, warm and comfortable

Filed Under: Culture, Trauma

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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.

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  • Hollow Symbols June 30, 2022

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