Incarcerated Scholars Conference Art Gallery 2025

I Am Much More

Anonymous

I am much more than they want me to be,
What is liberation if free is a fee,
We are much more than they want us to be,
Misguided and expected to fail,
But little by little we have a story to tell,
Piece by piece we are being restored,
We're no longer kids that can be ignored,
Remember your voice can change the world,
For better or worse until the end we shall prevail,
I am much more than they want me to be,
My eyes are now open...
finally I discovered me!

Artist Statement

I was in a dark place when I wrote this poem. I needed something that would remind me of who I truly was. This poem is for those who are struggling with what others say about them.

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