Integritus Prime

Last week, we shared the story of Larry, who became a uniquely eloquent Shakespearean scholar while in prison. This week, we share the story of another prisoner who is on a similar path. The lead author of our recently launched book, Awakening the Sacred Order of Divine Poets, Oz-Moses (a pseudonym), is incarcerated. He spent two years in solitary confinement. Since his incarceration for almost ten years, he has never been violent or retaliated to violence. He does service to his inmates through organizing events during the holidays, and supports them to be on good behavior like him.

About a year ago, Oz-Moses had a vision. He saw a global community of poets who write verses to awaken humanity from capitalistic and destructive slumber. He began writing poetry, which awakened in him through his friend, Inspir-Us (also a pseudonym), who writes poetry in her letters to him.

Oz-Moses wanted to create a book of poetry that could inspire awakening, and have it donated to prisons in Fiji around the world. Oz-Moses’ vision was so pure that he soon attracted a team of collaborators, including Inspir-Us, an incarcerated illustrator, a communications specialist, and us, Margaret and Marilyn, at Alchemus Prime. As of January 21, a mere two weeks after the book launch, his vision has come true.

Oz-Moses works within the prison facility and is using his savings to pay for the printing of the book, which we launched on his behalf on January 7. The book is currently being donated to correctional facilities in Fiji and other countries.

The team is working on a sequel to Awakening, and Oz-Moses helped the illustrator start his own illustration company. Oz-Moses told us he was like an angry chained dog, but now he feels liberated from those emotions. What created the shift in him is unconditional love and a safe space to be himself, through his friendship with Inspir-Us. Similar to Dr. Bates’ friendship with Larry, Inspir-Us is able to see Oz-Moses as a person with potential, without judging him. The result is a prolific set of creative works in motion through what began as two friends writing letters.

We are marveling at the transformative change that is possible when there is non-judgmental compassion and learning. We want to end with these questions for reflection – for every parent, prison guard, and thoughtful adult and adolescent:

1. How do young children who have had no positive role models in their young lives, or decent education make the right choices? 
2. If we judge or abuse children and young people, how can they do any better than what we are doing?
3. When we don’t help inmates in prison to redeem themselves, what do we expect from them when they come out after serving their sentences?
4. What are we doing to prevent young people from ending up behind bars? Is it enough? How might we do better?
5. Considering that inmates who will eventually be released to live amongst us as neighbors and colleagues, what should we be doing to help them reform before their release?

Are you aware of inmates who have redeemed themselves? Would you be willing to share our contact information with them for our upcoming “Brilliance Beyond Incarceration” series? Here is our email: transmute@alchemusprim.com

Drs. Margaret and Marilyn Cornelius wrote this blog series.