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Rectangles of stained glass, with one broken panel
Image by Alias 0591 (CC by 2.0)

I am made of many
different colors,
depending on the mood.
Broken and
shattered pieces
are part of my
design.
Abstract art,
not easily understood
at first.

But when the light shines through,
I am illuminated,
creating a beautiful
masterpiece.

Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Courtney Austin is a poet incarcerated in Tennessee.