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Prose of a Con

Poetry and Prose by Russell Wardlow

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Empac-thize

August 22, 2021 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

empathize with the devil
advocate for the ghettos
break ground with the pebbles
sympathize with the rebels

tell the pennies they’re quarters
show them their special importance
cut the chords and live cordless
now be boundless and voyage

tell the men to be boyish
tell the women be girlish
it’s OK to be grown-ish
but don’t lose touch with the child in you-
it’s more your truth, you should own it

tell the whites that they us
I’m with the blacks, ‘nough’s enough!
don’t let the creme overdo it
can’t bake a crust too stuffed

tell the prisons, revolt!
can’t change from distance, remote
don’t let the scape get your goat
don’t let the hate grip your throat

scream to the love, live on!
then tell the dark, dream on!
then tell the kids, dream more!
don’t cut down trees that we need-
release, just breath, and be more!

Filed Under: Culture, Mercy

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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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