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
“Somedays” by Steven
Somedays Some Days I can’t stand to look in the mirror Trying' daily to find relief through written scripture Even though the melanin in my skin tells me I'm built to win This battle within and...
“It’s War” by Duane, 47
“This justice system simply made me wiser”
BREAK THE CYCLE, Triumphant & To Forgive by Lovette, 48
BREAK THE CYCLE In order to raise stronger men and women We have to nurture. Protect and invest wisely in them. Setting strong examples for the youth to follow- Teaching them depth of character-Not...
Déjà vu by Rob
I saw on the evening news tonight, how a meteorologist was giving insight. It was a serious, somber, scary tune, he said a big storm was coming soon. Mother Nature sent her wrath, Louisiana in...
“Rise” by Raiveon
Cast out, left behind, we are the people no one wants to find. The love from others caused us to go blind. We came back to get what was taken. This is the origin of the forsaken. With a broken...
“A year in review” by Tallulah
A year in review It was a bad year for the planet. Every creature on the face of the Earth endured the pain and/or loss. Yet a Mercy, even though we do not understand it. From one of the worst...
“Body” and “Loss” by Pamela
Body You locked up my body, but you'll never own me. You gave me a number so you could count me every day, while you do everything to remind me that I no longer count. While you were caging me in...
“I’m Broken” and “Gratitude” by Juan Luis
I'm Broken I’m Broken. I’m Broken I lost my fight, I lost my soul I lost my will, I lost it all But by bit. I let it all depart Piece by piece. I need me back I’m Broken. I’m Broken Beyond repair it...
“The Sonnet” by Jerry
Moma you loved me from the start. I never noticed negligence in your heart. What you taught me, I only understand. You survived raising a boy to a man. Reminiscing about the...
“Untitled” by Jamsson
Years, Decades, Centuries… So much time...wasted Sleeping in this century While some rot, Others… Are holding on to a thin line of hope… That one day… They can see the light The light at the end of...
“Poem from 5/7/21” by Gwendolyn
I am locked in a box inside a cage with no rage, just sadness As I peer through tiny holes as we travel on the highway and trees pass my way as the breeze blows leaves sideways and see a glance of...
“Power Struggle” by Gilberto
Money, drugs, and power made me show restraint It blinded me and kept me from taking that leap of faith For years I felt my heart was in the wrong place Like I built a new identity and the old one...
“Coping Skills” and “Untitled” by George “Mesro”
Coping Skills The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world indoors for the physical distancing required for safety from infection. Even as restrictions in some places are lifting, here at San Quentin,...
“THE LITTLE THINGS YOU DO” and “MEMORIES” by Gerald
THE LITTLE THINGS YOU DO Valentines? Is it just another day or something to think of in this special kind of way…. Have you ever been so into somebody that you couldn’t look away? Have you ever...
“A Chance To Go Home” by Dorothy
You may never understand my contradicting little life I am the enigma of a law abiding convict in prison All that I do, is because I want a chance to go home You may never understand why I can’t...
“The little things that I miss” by Dustin
You see… Its even the little things that I miss. Like a pillow to lay my head on, and a choice of what to get when I walk up to the fridge. The touch of a woman, and the voice of my...
“We’re all just waiting” by “Raheem” Bernard
We’re all just waiting, some with little or less time Everyone is a passenger on this ferry, Reluctant some are, as if leaving a crime Eyes watchful of those, more prone and fit to tarry, Arms wave...
Socially Distant by Kelli
“Tread lightly, for the streets are cobbled by the bones of the fools before you, the street names written in their blood.”