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The artwork displayed here was created and submitted by participants of the Incarcerated Scholars Conference. We are honored to share these creative works publicly to celebrate the talent, voice, and vision of the artists.

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Incarcerated Scholars Conference Art Gallery 2024

On This Island

Ben Israel

Knox College Prison Education Program, student

Illinois

And when, on this island on which
I love you, there is only so much land
To drive on, a few hours to encircle in entirety,
Rewinding and pausing on past memories,
Hypnotized by the mere look of your eyes,
Never wanting to let go, never wanting
To say good-bye.

Replaying your walk, your talk, your laughter,
On this island on which I love you,
The islands flora bringing me back to you,
To the captivating aroma of your skin,
The skin I traversed with such gentleness,
With such enthusiasm, with such eagerness.

And, on this island on which I love you,
You are scorched in every crevice of my mind,
Immortally enshrined as the goddess of old,
Your every being the altar on which I worship,
Venerating all recollections of you.

So, on this island on which I love you,
You are exalted in the heavens of my mind,
The master conductor of my sorrows, of my joy,
the very being to my being, on this island,
That will always bring me back to you.

Artist Statement

Jerardo Jaramillo (state name) is an artist and writer whose writings are inspired by his Hebrew Israelite culture and beliefs. He enjoys studying history and learning the knowledge and wisdom of indigenous peoples. He aspires to one day work with environmental groups to help this world be a more safe and cleaner environment for not just all humanity, but for all living creatures, great and small.”

The following statement has been provided with the piece - The inspiration for this poem was inspired after reading Native Hawaiian (Kanaka) poet Brandy Nālani McDougall's poem, "This Island on which I Love You".

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

Welcome to the ISC Art Gallery!

To view the gallery, please read:

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On This Island

On This Island

Ben Israel

Knox College Prison Education Program, student

Illinois

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