Two Poems, and Art, by Jason L. Lacewell

Painting by Jason L. Lacewell (USA) Contemporary.

What Kind of Name is Rudyard?

When you grow up,
and don't worry,
there's still time,
try not to be too serious,
always keep an open mind.

Think for yourself,
but don't blindly trust those thoughts.
Learn how to learn from others,
as well as be self-taught.

Ask everyone, everything, and yourself,
why? how? when? who? where?
and listen to the answers,
though some might not seem fair.

When you grow up,
don't worry about luxury, or power
or becoming a billionaire.
Make sure to never lose your sense
of wonder.
Strive to be a questionnaire.

Jason L. Lacewell

Painting by Jason L. Lacewell (USA) Contemporary.

Grow Up
 
Between a flower and a weed,
what’s the difference?
One’s proud on a trellis
the other stares thoughtfully through
the fence
 
One needs only modest accommodation
satisfied with mock rains, clotted earth,
and junk yard nutrition.
 
The other begs to be pampered, looked 
at, cared for.
Showered with the compliments of one
hundred flitting visitors.
 
One is ugly
But hardy and clever.
In urban neglect, it finds opportunity
 
The other is beauty
But wilts in the wind,
dies under the weight of a
single indignity.
 
They both risk the same though,
to be trampled, pulled out by the roots,
or snipped.
One out of scorn,
the other as a gift.
 
Between a flower and a weed,
what’s the difference?
Maybe a flower’s a self-absorbed weed
and a weed’s a humble flower
One has common,
while the other,
fashion sense.

Jason L. Lacewell

Jason Lacewell is currently serving time at the Florence Prison in Arizona. He is working on writing with a mentor, Jason Kitts. Justin says of Jason, "Jason Lacewell and I met in Yuma Arizona on a medium security prison yard. I was doing four years for a fatal DUI and he was my Spanish teacher. Jason and I became fast friends and still talk every week. We started an art production company and call it Cardiac Leather Works LLC. Jason has three years and some months left before he comes home. He continues to produce art and writing which he sends to me.  I do my best to promote it for us until he comes home. Jason Lacewell is extremely intelligent, knows multiple languages, plays every instrument he touches and is a fantastic artist and poet. He's also my best friend and my son's Godfather. Jason encouraged me to start writing again. If anything, he is my mentor. I'm extremely proud to call him my friend. Please keep an eye out for his name and his art.”