Incarcerated Scholars Conference Art Gallery 2025

Evolution

Anonymous

Colorado

Your attention please! Quiet down in the back.
I have something you must hear, motives that are to be examined.
You can never know another’s thoughts, but what you see me as is clear in your eyes. 
Do you deny this? 
Time will tell.
The days all run together now, yet still I claim victory as my status. 
I approach challenges like a lion stalking its prey. 
I speak success on moments when others tend to shrink. 
Does where I live define my potential? My past determine my future? 
Never. 
What do I have if I lack knowledge? 
What did I possess if the truth I leave undisturbed?
How could I claim growth without the watering of my soul?
Because I failed before must I now? Who has ever done everything right? 
I will piece together new life, I will orchestrate revival, I will create from the ashes the foundation for my kingdom!
Who do you know that could achieve this? 
Have you looked at them with the judgement you placed on me? 
Hold tight and I will show you.
Look in awe at what I will do. 
When see its splendor and stand speechless at how someone like me could obtain greatness.
Realize these walls are filled with others who will do even greater than I.
Your doubt drives us. 
Your realized we are not who you thought feed us.
But when you join us hand in hand we are complete.

Artist Statement

I entered the system at the age of 13. I am now 38, and have total 21 total years of incarceration over my lifetime. During this, I often defined myself the way others did, by the crimes, failures, and problems that marred my life. Inside of this difficult and often isolating journey, I found myself and realized that this is not who I am. I am a man full of of kindness, intelligence, hope, and wisdom. Writing has been particularly helpful in really this. My foundation in life and what brings me the greatest joy is my family and friends, and serving my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. 

This change and the intensity of difference between who I was when I believed the false paradigm given to me by others, versus the true untapped potential and change experienced when I, or anyone else truly discovers their worth, is so drastic and all encompassing it can only be described as “Evolution”. I don’t consider myself a poet, rather a writer. I write poetry because it allows me to speak eloquently and to fully process the truths help deep in my heart. Every letter on the page is a tiny piece of myself that I have chosen to share. I share because I deeply believe humanity is a shared experience.

If you are the artist of an artwork featured in this gallery and want it removed, please reach out to alliance@higheredinprison.org