Incarcerated Scholars Conference Art Gallery 2025

Love Near Lips

Willie Nichols

Knox College

Illinois

"An angry man” is an easily acceptable diagnosis. I believe angry, more often than not, is the first line of defense for a vulnerable heart. If somehow we could see past the anger we just might get a glimpse of a man’s true nature. You may also learn a few things about yourself.
An angry man:
His gentle heart
Has a hunger for love.

He invites us all
To his lonely place,
Singing, through weakness that
Gives honor to dishonorable scars.

A lovely motion
In the humility of survival
Standing against the ceaselessness of
Invisibility.

He is not content:
A wandering man
With a redeeming tongue.
I am something like that.

Artist Statement

I am from a small town in America. I have a real love for nature and the uniqueness of small things. This is often reflected in my writings. I also write about life as I have experienced it. I am a real champion of the free verse style. I feel it better suits my personality and allows me to tell my story in my own way. I hope you enjoy my writings Memorial Grace and Love Near Lips and the story they tell.

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