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Prose of a Con

Poetry and Prose by Russell Wardlow

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Modern Day Cain and Abel

May 21, 2021 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

why does a proud black man,
make for an angry and threatened white man?
why does a revered and privileged white man,
make for a subjugated and defeated black man?

why is there a direct relationship between the two
can not one’s effect be a positive
that doesn’t directly impact the other negatively
what is the heart of the line of correlation between the two

can not both exist
in a state of peace
and harmony
with one another

or is it something deeper
darker
prideful
greedy
threatening
that lies beneath

is it the nefarious after-effects of colonialism and slavery
and the crisis of humanity brought on the rewards reaped
coupled with the economic system of competition
that perpetuates social Darwinism

one’s survival or progress
being a direct threat to the other’s
one can only survive or thrive
survival of the fittest by process of elimination
or force
and if they must coexist

one must be superior
and the other, inferior
this is the consciousness of this country
this is the reality of its people
this is the reason why coexistence isn’t natural
because the existence of both here,
were and have been a continual matter of force

the forcing upon
and the forced upon
by any
and all
means necessary

and until the way the dollar is made
the way a full and prosperous life is perceived
and
the skeletons of modern position and privilege are rectified
than coexistence will always feel insecure
and humanity will always feel like a threat to survival

so the white and black man
even with the rare bonds of brotherhood forged amongst some
will always be in an antagonist role with each other

one’s gain
will always feel
like the other’s loss
whether it be
money
job
opportunity
power
prestige
or and especially,
woman

and that’s just straight facts

I’m pretty sure the dying words of Abel to Cain was,
“I thought we was brothaz?…”
and Cain probably said,
“We are, but if we stay so
then I will feel less able
having to share
so I rather the world be
“Abel-less”

Cain,
killed Abel
Desire,
killed breath
and so we are lost
in a land of wandering
wondering
who do I have to take from
or keep away from
in order for me and mine
to survive

Filed Under: Culture

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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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