Poetry

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.

Please enjoy the poems below,
Alex – Poetry Director

“Journey to Nowhere” by Ramon

“Journey to Nowhere” by Ramon

Lungs fill with stagnant, polluted burnt air,
The smell of Death is everywhere.
The heart beats weak with question and fear,
Maintaining a life that is going nowhere.

read more
“Broken Heart” by Shawnda

“Broken Heart” by Shawnda

I want to just lay here and die
Let life pass me by
What a horrible job I’ve done
All this guilt and shame weigh a ton
My heart is broken, my spirit is tore

read more
“New Life” by Whitney

“New Life” by Whitney

I have nothing that would make you love me
No good or cool words you see
My popularity level is down to zero percent
My pants pocket are broken dense

read more
“Bury Us” by Jose

“Bury Us” by Jose

Bury us in a sunless pit of obscurity,
Imprisoning flaws mercilessly,
Isolating guardrails which hold us back,
Guardrails on the wrong path, journeys on the wrong track
Suitable circumstances reveal opportunity.

read more
“Inmate’s Lament” by Alyce

“Inmate’s Lament” by Alyce

Dilapidated dorms, cloistered court yards
Wrinkled sidewalks, rutted roads, pit holes thump
Squawking doors, crunching windows- toilets rage
Locks explode, hints of freedom, clacking keys

read more
“The Beat Within” by Osbun

“The Beat Within” by Osbun

My Dearest Brotherly Beloved David,
Sitting here listening to some smooth soulful jazz of David Sanborn “Pearls.”
I am reminded of our Reneverance
no words nor actions could express.

read more
“Pain” by Candice

“Pain” by Candice

If pain was a person,
Then I would be her
All this madness in my head,
I’m searching for a cure
Through smoke, coke and injections,
It’s my family that I’m affecting

read more
“Dog-Faced Killer” by Paul

“Dog-Faced Killer” by Paul

Paul, 64Incarcerated: 20 yearsHoused: San Quentin State Prison Dog-Faced Killer My yesterdays are gone  Never to be relived  Except as memories As any other fantasies Post-traumatic tragedies Born...

read more
“Pain of a Villain” by David

“Pain of a Villain” by David

David, 26Incarcerated: 4 yearsHoused: Augusta Correctional Center, Craigsville, Virginia Pain of a Villain I take medication to forget about the past Open seats Remind me of a lot of things I been...

read more

Humans of San Quentin logo

Receive more inspiring stories and news from incarcerated people around the world.