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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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Poetry by Vantwan

The Devil & My Power They say the devil has no power unless you give it to him. But who is the devil, really, when…

Poetry by Kai

Each Day  I’ll never be able to find the right words to say That I miss you more and more each day This pain I…

Poetry by Verne

To enter this realm requires certainty in faith and belief, anchored in His promised word. As I sit in deep, questioning contemplation, I am not…

Poetry By Cornell

Through the storm, let love’s light reign. Standing in my way, standing in my way, Looking in the mirror, this is what I say. Hard…

“The Importance of Time” by Keith

The Importance of Time Mr. Carter was born in Chicago in 1967 and was confined in 2014. His letters to his family and friends were…

“Her Hope” and more poems by Ethan

Her Hope Deprived of sleep, she lays awake In a bed, cold and still, Filled with the fear her heart will break Before her fragile…

“The State Night Before Christmas” by Jeffery

Twas the night before Christmas, and here all throughout, The state penal institution, aka, “The Big House”; General population, disgruntled, unable to move about, “This…

“I Still Dream” by Anthony

I Still Dream When I dream, I shoot for the moon, So that if I miss, I land amongst the stars. I reach out, feeling…

“The Place I Used to Be” by Alex

This year is when I noticed my self-esteem had reached a level that allowed me to truly be sure of myself. My past struggles with…

“Spice” by Damarius

Spice Am I the one-eyed man in the land of the blind, Or just a little boy lost, out of sight, out of mind? If…

“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…

“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…

“Walls” by Daishaun

Walls represent protection. We have a tendency to build our own walls, an attempt to protect ourselves against hurt.   Many of us live isolated…

“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…

“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…

“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…

“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,…

“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…

“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…

“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…

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