Incarcerated Scholars Conference Art Gallery 2024

The Voice of Silence

Willie Nichols

Knox College Prison Education Program, student

Illinois

Suddenly I’m inspired
The weight of the world my muse
Trapped between the traumas of the past
And the fear of an unseen future.

I look in the mirror, “There you are”
Most days a stranger stares back 
Boastful and full of pride
Telling me I’m special, but
Today it is me.

Unspecial and ordinary
Flawed - the grumpy old man
Over indulged on life’s forbidden
This gray hair the witness. 

The mere thought produces an unblemished smile
Hidden from sight of course
My vanity confined 
Nevertheless, I gloat.

Maybe confession is good for the soul
These tears are but a portion
The transitive burden of my penance

Compelling me to walk against the wind
Only looking back to define my path forward
Maintaining my proximity to truth.

What profits the unperson
Shall I bruise the ground on knee
Pour out the proud grief 
Burn this scandal rag 
Sow this humility?

O’ Watchman 
You tragic comic
When you look in the mirror, tell me
What do you see? 

Artist Statement

The Voice of Silence is about the voice within making peace with the life lived. Here I lay claim to the complex duality of my personality, while also visiting the transitive burden of presence. In the end I challenge the reader to do the same.

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