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Prose of a Con

Poetry and Prose by Russell Wardlow

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Book Worm

January 17, 2022 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

is the apple bad
because it a worm was found
or
is the apple already claimed
and now, both home and meal

to a creature compelled by its nature
never straying
created and animated from a source
no different than mine

what would make the worm lesser
and me, greater?
besides my powerless ignorance
to shun the divine

and how long is the kingdom
of might, when my foot
can become the God
of the worm’s plight?

is my power in the very choice
of mercy or murder
and the perception of the apple
being spoiled or perfect

what great lesson
can become of one’s own illusions
if one can not recognize
relations and influence

is it not the energy of possession
which has so possessed me
believing I have inherited all
confusing the very truth I seek

and if the world is a book
which I am learning to read
the moral is in how I see the world
isn’t necessarily how the world sees me

are not humans like the worms
consumed by consumption
with forgotten hearts
and full stomachs?

upon further thought
I have come to learn
how I view myself
reflects, how I view the worm

Filed Under: 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.

Read More

  • Whose Mind is it Anyway June 30, 2022
  • Objects June 30, 2022
  • Same Thang, Different Name June 30, 2022
  • Optical Ill-lusions June 30, 2022
  • Hollow Symbols June 30, 2022

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