Poetry is an allegory that tells no tales. It has no race or gender, no ego or attitude. Poetry is neither big, tall, short or small. Most of all poetry allows various incarcerated men and women to express their pain, their visions and their remorse with a meek and humble approach. Humans of San Quentin would like to share their poems with our readers. Give us your feedback and please, tell a friend. We hope you allow us to open our hearts and share our poetry with you.
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“Healing Is a Life Process” and “Solitary Confinement” by Kurby
Healing is a Life Process I deserve you, so I received you. You are my blessing and my curse. I gave you my heart, you kept it safe—until you didn’t. I don’t blame you. It’s not your fault. I apologize for leaving your side. For…
November 15, 2024
“The Itch” by Lester
The Itch Why is that which you want rarely what you need? Why is that which you cannot live without you have lived without for years?
November 14, 2024
“Walls” by Daishaun
"Walls" Walls represent protection. We have a tendency to build our own walls, an attempt to protect ourselves against hurt. Many of us live isolated lives behind these self erected walls. These walls become prisons, trapping us in bitterness and loneliness keeping out…
November 12, 2024
“Reflect” by Dejon
Reflect When you gon' learn!? Seems like you’re never fi’n get it!! That gangsta stuff got you and your big brother life in prison! And at the end of the day, what can you do with recognition!? From someone who can’t recognize their purpose, don’t…
October 29, 2024
“I’m Free” by Gilberto
I’m Free! Lately, I’ve been slow to accept my past mistakes, To resist my predestined fate, To erase past complaints and the hateful world imagination paints. My hope grows faint, as my mind enslaves the thought of a better day. Food for thought: eat,…
August 30, 2024
“The Beauty Within” by Charles
The Beauty Within I want you to know that life has taught and shown me how to see and understand the things and people I did not know I want you to know that I now see the beauty within you. There was a time…
July 31, 2024
“Loss of Our Angels” and “Voices” by Autumn
Loss of Our Angels Loss of angels Our heart falls apart as each piece starts to fall. Dangle. R.I.P. our guardian angels. Wings, choir sings, numbness stings, but there peace begins because now they are free. Even though it's hard to see, let it be,…
July 30, 2024
“Any Season,” by Treavion
Any Season In a storm, you look for shelter in the heat, you look for shade, In the desert, you look for water, look for cover in the rain, That's just common knowledge be prepared when seasons change, But the home we built just me…
July 17, 2024
“Am I?” by Katherine
Am I? Am I worth it? Yes, because I now know my worth. Am I enough? I am because what didn't break me made me stronger. Am I loud, sometimes when I am pressing God. Am I still, No, Not no more, I will…
June 14, 2024
“What If We Could All Love One Another?” by Timothy
What If We Could All Love One Another? Wars and rumors of wars, I’m bringing Jesus to the street, Put down your pistol and your dope. You won’t need a man I’m bringing you hope, My life was surrounded by confusion from the president of…
June 4, 2024
“Poem” by Michael
This is the only poem I’ve ever written. I wrote it after my wife passed away. It feels good to share a piece of me with the world. Poem My name is Michael Anthony The name I received at birth I had it beaten into…
June 4, 2024
“The Field” by Jarvis
The Field Jesus, please help. I’m tired of doing life like this I stepped into a pit of demonic oppressors I felt were meant for me I think they’re killing me I want to do right but I’ve mixed my rights with left and it’s…
May 8, 2024
Poetry by Travis
Eucalyptus Pelican These visions welling up in me, Which came to life when you were born, This imagery inside of me That never could have come alone, Sprang forth to bear in solid form, These births of leaves, bark, and stone. The wonders of creation…
May 8, 2024
Poetry by Toby
AMERICA’S GUILT When a jury gets it wrong, Who is there to correct it? When black lives are hunted down, Who's there to protect it? When kings and queens have dreams, Whose there to manifest it? When politicians betray the people, Who is there…
May 7, 2024
“How Do I See Love?” by Katherine
How do I see love? The word love really Brings up good and bad Memories at times I blame Myself for how my life ended Up being. Love does not fit in my heart Any more, besides My family That has been my backbone Through…
May 6, 2024
“All American Mexican” by Daniel
All American Mexican They call me Mexican they call me Latino They even call me beaner but who am I, how do I Identify How do I hide Am I from here or from there As am in limbo in my heritage snare I’m in…
May 5, 2024
Poem by Randy
Pain is the time when You face those you’ve harmed and tell them That you are sorry you killed them
March 6, 2024
“Pain” by Cornell
Pain is speaking your mind Feeling misunderstood Pain in you being kind Them backstabbing cause they can Pain is sacrificing and help out Finding out your being used
March 6, 2024
“Completely Incomplete” by Marcus
Are you still there? I won’t let go of her hand But the water whisks me away
March 6, 2024
Walls and The Golden Key by Clayton
Walls Oh the walls that we put up, So high the world can see The day we finally break them down We’ll find humanity. In this world of walls contain My body physically, But in my body dwells my soul Which will forever remain free.…
March 1, 2024