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
“Eternity” by Richard
Incarcerated: 8 years Housed: Clallam Bay Correctional Center, Washington Eternity A gleam of life in clouds of grey reveals a breath of heaven is but a moment away.
“Why We Dance Our Prayers” and “The Rooms We Build In Our House” by White Eagle
Why We Dance Our Prayers When we dance to the drum, we pray to the creatorand attract the Heartbeat of Mother Earthwe call it Turtle Island.We never dance without reason,every dance has a purpose.We...
“Sea of Tears” by Maron
Sea of Tears Listen to my tears drip-drop in the streams of time. Washed away with the flood of time. Reflecting on those times, it seemed no end was inclined; Eternity was no friend of mine. ...
“Lovetopia” by Andrew “Smiley”
Andrew “Smiley”, 38Incarcerated: 16 yearsHoused: Sing Sing Correctional Facility, New York Lovetopia Oh, how I love the word love Doesn't it feel good when somebody you love says to you, I love...
“I Dream About You Today” by Kenneth
I Dream About You Today I dream about you todayLike all my yesterday,Looking forward to tomorrow. I dream a dream that wasn’t realfor you were gone some twenty years ago.Lost to me in the time gone...
“Never Repeat It Again” by Charles
You’re going to be great but I hate to burst your bubble Before you achieve greatness you’ll get into a lot of trouble Don’t look at me all dumbfounded The pain you’re about to go through will...
“An Angel Weeps” By Arnoldo
A beautiful and lucid angel playing a golden harp on an obscure night. Perched on a trunk of a tree eyes gently closed. Smooth and incandescent fingers she plucks the strings skillfully ...
“More Than Enuff?” and “Trickle, Trick, Treacle, Trauma” by Paul
More Than Enuff? Am I not a man?If I am not,Then what I am?Can I not bend lightSo as to be unseen,Like a double-heliotroped,Mirrored magazine?Like condensation,Slipping through walls?Cannot I...
“Dearest Love” and “I HAD ISSUES?” by Douglas
Dearest Love It is not fair thatI am lost in the cruel afterglowOf your fleeting bliss, I shiver in emotions I can’t controlBound by tangible memories I cannot escape, I find myself dreaming withinA...
“Work Hazard” by Keith
Work Hazard The occupations you choose to devote your time to. Choosing an occupation is something you have to be mature to do. Life’s time is devoted to you. An occupation worthy of Life’s time,...
“Up in Flames” by Jamsson
Up in Flames O’ California, My heart goes out to thee. So beautiful and strong Where so many want to live. Now you are being burned by flames that hop and skip. Causing your residents to run,...
“To The Ones Who Never Left,” “Unknown,” “Talk of the Town,” & “The Forgotten Kingdom” by Luisa
To The Ones Who Never Left I owe a thank you to the ones who never left me to the ones who had the courage to stand by me in a courtroom where silence is deafening to the ones who listened to my...
“Response to Surviving Covid” & “My Dad’s 60th Birthday” by Darren
In response to my family’s worries of surviving covid in prison: I am alive and well, although real life is adjacent to where I reside. A boundary that distorts one’s visions at times. I shall...
“Addiction” & “I’m Here, Now What” by Stacie
Addiction It’s about 100% and rising It’s a hot summer night Spanish Moss hitting me in my face The hot air blowing past me… Yeah… blowing, cause I'm moving fast you see I gotta hurry up… because...
“Details” and “The Situationists” by Dennis
Details Little smiles small kisses tiny feet mini hugs Blessed? Outdrawn by BIG LOVE? Raising impressionables blank canvases in process. I couldn't bear witness from my small bleached world as if...
“What is love to us all?” by Edwin
To me Love is Ambiguous. Love can be the reason I am living, or at times, why I feel like dying. Love has been the light in the abyss of darkness and confusion. Love is the reason why the world...
“Cerebral Agilities” & “Doubt and Fear” by Ronald
Cerebral Agilities Impeccable arrogance derives from Cerebral Agilities Givin' abilities to continue an attack On betterin’ oneself For societies havin’ Mentalities of - Kamikaze Pilots. Cerebral...
“AUDACITY” & “Dearest Lover and Loved” by Douglas
AUDACITY It is a courageous battle We suffer and fight, To reach lovingly for darkness While hungering for the light, Minimizing our wrongs Hostile and arrogant when we are right, As we secretly...