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Prose of a Con

Poetry and Prose by Russell Wardlow

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Russell Wardlow

the chemistry of change

June 27, 2020 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

chemistry has three descriptions
liquid
solid
and gas
change is also a science
but in order for it to be lasting
as a liquid-
it must be ever changeable in the way that it adapts to whatever environment it exists within
as a solid-
it must be formidable and sure, absolute and objective in its resolutions and foundations as common ground, so it can be cohabited and lived upon
as a gas-
it must be colorless and for all anywhere equally, seen but unseen, physically indescribable in that it is transparent and honest

Filed Under: Culture, Spirit

less ain’t more

June 26, 2020 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

we need
less white antics
and more white allies
less white advantage
and more black vantage
less speeches
and more performances
less denial
and more admission
less passivity
and more involvement
less color
and more culture
less exclusivity
and more inclusiveness
more questions
and even more answers
and most of all
we need LOVE

Filed Under: Culture, Love

duty bound

June 25, 2020 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

preserve Life
reserve Property
restore Order
but which are most valued

Filed Under: Culture, Mercy

no sweat

June 24, 2020 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

we’re sick and tired
of being sick and tired
but being sick and tired
is tireless
and so the fight MUST go on

Filed Under: Mercy

paradox

June 23, 2020 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

dear world,
I’ve changed
I’m a black man leaving prison soon to a
virus pandemic
economic pandemic
and a social and systemic pandemic
all which affect black and brown people the most
so its hard to be excited to come back to you because
well, you’ve demanded my change
but I see you still haven’t changed much at all

Filed Under: Culture, Inside, Mercy

weathered it

June 22, 2020 by Russell Wardlow Leave a Comment

the dry air glittered with dust
then fires sparked
smoke rose like blossoms
as the ashes snowed
the fog draped like a grey coat
until the rain called
answered by a wind talking up a storm
but I weathered it all
and glided into the Sun’s rays
hovering my shadow
a vista adorned by an allusive rainbow
and everything was alright
for the moment

Filed Under: Spirit

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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

Themes

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