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

Poem by Randy

Pain is the time when 
You face those you’ve harmed and tell them
That you are sorry you killed them 

read more

“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

read more

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...

read more
“A Christmas Story”, “Scars”, “If I Knew Then” by Jeffery

“A Christmas Story”, “Scars”, “If I Knew Then” by Jeffery

“Holding onto the things I learned along the way gives me the ability to better recognize the twists and turns, hoops and hurdles of an outraged life. I tried to hide behind fear, masking over those inner pains suffered through my own unique and real traumas because I didn’t know then what I know about self and the ability to rise above the past that existed.”

read more

“Owed to Oneself” by Tyane

“Love yourself past all the flaws
Look deep inside to the beauty that calls”

“True love never ends, doesn’t break, but often bends.. We all have our ups and downs, sometimes causes smiles or frowns… Many years have passed us by, sometimes we laugh, others we cry…. Older now can’t stand much longer. Although my love only gets stronger.”

read more

“Memories” and “True Love” by Robert

“Simple things, like taking walks, hopes and dreams were positive thoughts… Having a Family, a normal life, husband, kids, and you as my wife.. Memories keep me going!!!”

“True love never ends, doesn’t break, but often bends.. We all have our ups and downs, sometimes causes smiles or frowns… Many years have passed us by, sometimes we laugh, others we cry…. Older now can’t stand much longer. Although my love only gets stronger.”

read more
“Who Are You?” by Ian

“Who Are You?” by Ian

“It’s not always easy to see your own silver lining, but that’s what others are for. To help you see. To help you learn. To help you remember to smile.”

read more
“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

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