This space provides an opportunity to highlight writing by people who are or have been in prison. If you are interested in utilizing any of the pieces you see here, please fill out this form.
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The beliefs and opinions expressed by the artists we feature on our website may not always reflect the views of Justice Arts Coalition. JAC’s aim has always been to uplift and share the voices of those impacted by the carceral system and we hope our website can be a safe space for all who visit and contribute to it. To learn more about JAC’s values and guiding beliefs, please visit our about page.
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Featured Writing:
POETRY POETRY
By Spoon Jackson
A brush dipping into a hot spring
Painting pictures
Of the unconscious
Bringing forth ancient elixir
Colled waters, golden words,
Words beyond thoughts once dormant
In their aboriginal form
Now spawning in the caverns and canyons
Of the Psyche
Poetry, poetry, the robust tail of memory
With a heavy mane.
Ms. Dickinson sat alone in her room in her wicker chair by the window. Whenever she wanted to leave -- whenever she wanted to write a poem -- she stepped into her own world of poetry and love. She stepped naked into her soul, her being, and brought back bits and pieces, poems that were whole psychically.
How to read poetry? Read it with your eyes closed and body open. Let the poem seep naked into the soul like raindrops into dark rich soil. Ancient years ago, before the age of reading, poems weren’t passed on paper, but were sung and told by traveling bards. If the poems withstood the ear test, they lasted.
One must let go of the mind and listen to the lines, the poetry, the wind. How to read a poem with your head blown off? Let go of the mind’s robotic thoughts. Listen with ancient ears to the soul’s song. Listen as one does to a lovely sunset and what’s heard under chirping birds. Don’t ponder a poem with the mind-phone on unless you are seeking form and meter, the outer surface of the poem.
Read poetry with the soul’s mind and body open, listen with the soul’s ears to the waves of rhythm and sound. Read without thinking, without syntax, grammar, and punctuation. Read without preconceived notions of mystic and mystery, without expectation.
Read poetry without thinking, to find what Emily Dickinson craved: a poem that blows the top of your head off. This way you allow the poem to start and simmer at your soles and toes, trickle up and touch your heart that does not beat or pump blood, and echo throughout your being.
Awaken
by Ted "Wizdom" Snider
Threatened, Attacked while the camera's rollin'
Restrained, Beaten, even while recordin'
Detained, Arrested without an explanation.
Why won't you tell me why you are here?
Where are you taking me? Why over there?
I live by myself, do you not hear me?
I am alone. Why won't you believe me?
Shackled, Bleedin', surrounded by the accusers.
Just cooperate and this'll go easier.
Denied an ear. Now they won't hear me.
No one to hear me. No one'll believe me.
I didn't do it, do you hear?
I didn't do it. They don't care.
Just cooperate and make this easy.
Just cooperate? No one believes me.
Why? The Law says so; because the Law says No.
The Law says So The Law says No
The Law says So The Law says No
Incarcerated now, given an ear
Someone to hear me. Someone to believe me.
There's been a mistake. I didn't do it.
Stop. I've heard that before. Just say you knew it.
Why? The Law says so; because the Law says No.
The Law says So The Law says No
The Law says So The Law says No
No contacts. No connections. No numbers.
to my outside world. No numbers
to my outside girl. No numbers
to my outside circle.
Now they tell me my life is theirs to do as they please
No longer is my life to me, my existence as it once was
is no longer as it once was, no longer am I as I once
was, I am to be what the law makes me.
We will see we will see what the Law makes me.
Threatened, Attacked while the camera's rollin'
Restrained, Beaten even while recordin'
Detained, Arrested without an explanation
Why? The Law says so; because the Law says No
The Law says So The Law says No
The Law says So The Law says No.
Browse Writing by Category:
- Poetry
- Prose
- Life Inside
- Identity/Self-Reflection
- Family/Friendship/Community
- Strength/Resilience
- Justice/Injustice
- Love
- Spirituality
- Hardship/Struggle
- Hope/Dreams/Motivation
- Nature/Animals
- Power of Art
2020 – Armando Alegria
Must our tears continually come in a flood, to cleanse away the oppression in our blood? Is that how we will reach the figment of equality? Then how do we wash away the systemic brutality? When all we have ever known is injustice. Still blindly we follow when you say “trust us”, but we the …
24 Karat – B.E. The Truth
Charismatic lady reveals blissful delight. Arouses curiosity; unmasking needs appearing true Expressing urgency, in wanting you. Her quixotic features; flows cascades of passion. Mon Cherie, winesome fondness mingles tantalizing fashion. Wanton harmony burns body–soul liquefy as one. Soaring into flight galaxies exploding! Intense congenial delight. Our impulse testifies; mystical appeal, for receptive merit. Love’s artistic …
A Fathers Wish – Brittian Koty Osorio
I shake my head in disappointment as the sound of a gunshot screams in the night Because I know that with that sound comes the end of another human life. Kids killing kids over something so simple as losing a fair fight or A son killing his father for hitting his mother one too many …
A Gentle Whisper – B.E. The Truth
Life is rewarding when benevolence is for another. Expressing JESUS, optimism, no contradiction, no contrast towards color. Deep inside we’re all the same, not as blood relative. LOVE links us, understand a narrative. LOVE is warmth, LOVE inspires to forgive. No confusion, no turmoil. LOVE gives purpose to live. I’m no threat, my personal inventory …
A Mile in My Shoes – Anthony Billings
A gathering among some placed in different categories. They have all led different lives and these are their stories. I’ve been on the road all day and hardly took a break, Been running a triathlon that I’m hoping to take. I know I smell funny even with all this air, But …
A Voice From Inside… – Amber Daniel
All my life I’ve been a drug addict, at least since I was 13 years old. What caused me to come down this life road? IDOC # 101969 Inmate Daniel, I was supposed to be somebody special. Not some loser. What makes me a loser? Societies views, and harsh opinions do… In the eyes of …
A WHOLE LOT OF EMPTY – F.R. Martinez
Prison as a whole is a dark hole a whole lot of empty. Nobody talks about prison until they end up there. Then it becomes central gravitational a main theme a radical scheme a right-wing meme. Prison is an asylum from the world’s insanity from what is required, prison itself has no reality or centrality, …
A Wonderful World – O.G. Blue
The Wonders of the World goes far beyond sights and sounds, “for a beautiful promise came with it “With a sound mind and a glorious attitude are the beginning of precious Life so delicate will travel through this World with Love so deep its beyond measure only to endure its endless and everlasting treasures All …
Alone – Cory Sitsler
loneliness my cloke i wear. solitude my only compasion, this lonely path i walk, forever condemned to wander, oh how i search for even a morsal, a crumb of Decency, a whisper in this cacophony of silence, have mercy this sentence is too much to bare, release me, from this sentence of dispair.
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 1) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 1 The Cosmos unveiled The Mind of God, The Eternal Thought Generator: The ageless, timeless, boundless, Divine Primordial Dream Navigator. Nameless at first: I AM THAT I AM: The One Mind had no need of a name. Then One Mind envisaged …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 2) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 2 In a fiery sphere of energy, Primeval and dense; torrid, opaque, The constituents of the Cosmic Elements Physical Laws did make, Quanta of this and quanta that Were zooming about and colliding. Electrons and positrons in pairs, They were formed …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 3) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 3 Each new supernova explosion To a new Angel, like me, gave birth, Expelled from their parent-star’s cores, these New Angels of God varied in worth. Orders of Angels, numbering nine, Celestial God ingratiators, Constituting the Hierarchy, Came forth from stellar …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 4) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 4 Soon after my birth I was conscious, Observing what I’ve thus far relayed, And after the Order of Angels Were born, we all became quite dismayed. In time, some spherical galaxies Flattened into giant spiral forms, With arms extending out …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 5) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 5 Ere Gaea assumed her present form She first endured The Transformation, Metamorphosing to then emerge A fertile place for life creation. The fledgeling Earth, a molten spheroid, Metals and gasses and silicates, Completely differentiated, Forming many layered aggregates. Most of …
Anywhere but here – Julie Spencer
I have in mind A wonder-filled place. Unsurpassed By the whole human race. Magical dreams Sprout out your wishes. Places to eat That requires no dishes. Barbeque chicken, rotisserie. Eating alone, with my friend, Cherie. A queen-sized bed where we both sleep Dance lesson where I don’t miss a beat. I have a studio, an …
Awaken – Ted “Wizdom” Snider
Threatened, Attacked while the camera’s rollin’ Restrained, Beaten, even while recordin’ Detained, Arrested without an explanation. Why won’t you tell me why you are here? Where are you taking me? Why over there? I live by myself, do you not hear me? I am alone. Why won’t you believe me? Shackled, Bleedin’, surrounded by the …
BETRAYAL – Rick Luellen
he felt as if he were speeding their arms in futile gestures their figures growing smaller silence was speeding immobility within him anguish nor elation, a mountain to gain fallen to lie still the first time. he was aware hands on the wheel, he felt as if he were in empty space his road expensively …
Between Us – O.G. Blue
May the love between us be strong May the trust between us be whole And may the words between us be true May our eyes see one another And may our souls hold one another And may our wants and desires be as one And may the happiness we accumulate all through life separate us …
Black Lives Matter – Brittian Koty Osorio
My best friend’s son is half black. My baby cousin is half black. 2 of my nieces are half black. Do I need to worry that one day when they go out, they might not make it back? Everyday I live in fear because these are not disguisable facts. They may not be my children, …
Captive Soul – Ismail Jaber
Riveted by charm obsessed and snared into enchantment and guile, words of adoration flooded my heart and a lonesome walk through the mist concealed my trail. Into oblivion I travailed the hike the elusive contour I so seek slipped through as I chased the evasive silhouette. Reflects of echoes whispered in my ears – “Set …
Chains of Reactions – Jose Santiago
I can make you feel special with every sweet action. Give you colorful roses then enjoy your reactions. My lifestyle is above any modern traditions. I’ll freak you on snow and try 69 different positions. Desire can melt ice like hot fire emotions. Love has no time destiny or locations. The things I would do …
Choices – Brittian Koty Osorio
Everyday you clock in you’re making a sacrifice. To work on the frontlines, risking your own lives. Mentally and physically ready to lose your mind. Although you wear a smile we see the tears you hide. Every segment of the news someone breaks down crying. Because we see what you do to keep us alive. …
COLLAPSE – F.R. Martinez
[From watching televised reports covering the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey/Syria while in federal prison] Here’s how it is: buried under tons of earthquake rubble but still breathing survival above all, mostly death. Structures collapse lives are crushed cries for help are silenced. What we have built will not endure despite our most earnest intentions, …
Colorism – David Meade
Colorism is the practice of favoring those of lighter complexions over those with darker complexions. And even parents have adopted these slavery methodologies by favoring the lighter child and showing the darker ones less affection. Hollywood and supervisors of corporations are excluding those with darker hues of skin from opportunities in favor of those of …
Command an Audience Well – Christopher Meredith
Any teller of a story, fable, or tale, Must command an audience well. Not only to wield the narration, But also a stretch of imagination. He’s not worth his own salt And surely stands at fault. As his tongue begins to wag, While the mind starts to stray. But you might give one his due …
Crushed By The System – Troy Glover
We fought the fight for freedom Stood strong to support equal rights generously given for next generations all lost when we let go the light. Further our fathers have faded So sons now stand in quicksand growing in the gutter of gall losing their lives to the land. Wise women our wives and daughters Sown …
CYCLE – F.R. Martinez
We fluctuate from minute to minute year to year from there to here here to there mostly unaware who we are who we were. Rise and fall of tides the ever-spinning cosmos invisibly ordered orbit of electrons a constant vibration surrounding us within us the tormented energy of the universe ever restless, formless. We, actors …
Dare…To Be – Gary Farlow
Will you dare to drink champagne at breakfast. . . call in sick to work to binge on old movies. . . take a bubble bath in the afternoon. . . to choose a side. . . Will you dare to break the silence of …
DESTINY: A Testimony – B.E. The Truth
Throughout my young life I ignored my Lord’s call, then my action bound me In the justice system where I encountered a devastating fall By neglecting God’s purpose, by refusing to listen Declining to attend church and learn Biblical intervention Controlled by pride, a sin that led me to prison. I would hear pathetic voices: …
Dis-LABELED – Aaron M. Kinzer
Disabled by definition But who’s printing the text? Why label me as such? Because I can’t do as the rest? Left right, Left right Side to side shuffle I move But I bear the label Because I’m not smooth as you How funny you make the rules Then design the tools To assist my moves …
Distant, but Mine – Jordan Earls
a bright, fall day marshmallow clouds float overhead sitting beneath the white post the one at the end of the front yard my siblings and i with a great orange pumpkin picture time. sharing the bed with my best friend big brother a bottle of chocolate milk while josh talks himself to sleep all is …
DRAFT – F.R. Martinez
Poetry on the fly, is why here on the corrlinks draft on a flimsy raft speed-drifting toward the white rapids of zero zero time zero characters left no more tru-credits no more money on the books Poetry on the sly, is why so they don’t see but they see all and they laugh at the …
Ebi ni mo fi okan – Here you lay down your heart – Troy Glover
What beauty is found in Prison What music from bars do listen Suffering is the sound From the madness around To quench Hope is T.D.C’s mission. There’s a secret people don’t know a sliver of light they won’t show a seedling on the rise fed by the tears and the cries by the blood of …
Elysium – C.S. Eash
This world weeps as it awaits, What I possess Knowledge consumed as water in a barren desert, insatiably thirsty for all that is known Wisdom from a hundred thousand hours, enlightened to a flame Strengthened by the villain holding my key, struggle forever I strive Compassion gained by the insanity of my surroundings, demons wrongfully …
Eterna Rosa – Jose Santiago
Te regalo esta rosa eterna, bonita, y especial que nunca se huere. Representa lo linda, dulce, y hermosa que te separa de otras mujeres. No creo que existe una mujer que llegue ni a los pies de lo que tu ere. Es verdad existen muchas en este mundo pero ningunas pueden lograr ni la mitad …
Evenings of Immortality – Rachel Peterson
To the nights of existential bliss when the universe is at your fingertips & the beyond speaks to your soul. Pain is Relieved through the breath of the trees & the stars dance in glitter & gold.
Existing Question – Derrick Grantley
As I express my deepest pain, thru these quatrains and these stanzas, trust that I am genuine, for my anger out weighs my guilt Guilt of association Guilt of affiliation Guilt of humiliation Guilt of degradation Open your eyes and heart Some times the truth may set you free Ignorance is contagious All my life, …
FACE OFF – Rick Luellen
I’d been planning the sunshine thing on fire fight, and it made an impression to a bad start around her She was doing the right thing think about how unreadable don’t enough she’ll start doing the . . . . . . again and you think I hope it will in the …
FLIGHT – F.R. Martinez
Black shadow wings across my path streaks across the red gravel of the prison yard track: a bird overhead like a passing evil thought, a premonition. Etched against harsh sunlight my own shadow, solid and solemn, plods on, step by step, a struggle to move this body old bone, muscle, sinew tired of the weight …
Fragment of a Dream (A prison passage) – Gary Farlow
Four layers of cement boxes, Stacked by the waters of a creek; Each one filled with music. A stranger sits on my bunk, Eating a box of tiny animals. It is his room too. Green beans and meatballs, In steel boxes in hot water. A pool of brown gravy! I accept the filled plastic, Slouching …
Get High – B.E. The Truth
Legalization??? Experimentation? Unnatural created cannabis Leads to human devastation. Preying on humanity to masquerade under vile intoxication and chase deceptive fascinations. Their crimson eyes lurk examining fallacy solutions. under clouding vision arise devious illusions. Images of false perceptions dive head first. The grim reaper smiles when mortals inhale synthetic dirt. Envisioning mirages laughter. Engulfs flair. …
God is Good – Amber Daniel
Running, hiding, and living a lie Living on the wrong side of the law Trust me that’s no way to live at all Something calling me from within It’s time to change my friend The addiction is losing its hold Life’s no longer wasting away Falling apart, growing old It’s finally falling into place The …
Guiding Light – Aaron Kinzer
America!, Awaken from your dreams deferred and hearken to your hopes preferred. Despite your curtains close live up to your ideas chose. For the people ponder daily, bashful but bravely trudging along a path paved by wounded warriors ensconced in tombs engraved and souls previously saved. Reach, America!, out of the puddles of mud but …
Hanging Around – Jose Santiago
Deep thoughts, emotions, feelings, paper and pen has drawed me to sit and write on this table… Expressing myself is not easy, yet I’m going to write a poem close to unforgettable… I’m locked in a person that’s stranded in a society of its own… The calendar is the reason I’m understanding how long I’ve …
Her – Brittian Koty Osorio
She was an ordinary woman when we met the 1st time. After 3 years I just knew I had to make her mine. She had pretty eyes and an unforgettable smile Plus a heart of gold and an intellectual mind. Jealousy and foolishness drove me to let her go, But if she could see into …
I Am – Gary Farlow
I am the moon, shining full and ghostly white. I am the crickets, singing their song after dark. I am the firefly, whose dance is a beacon of love. I am the wolf, with a mournful bay of loneliness. I am the stars, like a blanket of spangles on a …
I am From – Brian Hindson
I am from a cup of coffee, from Folgers and now Keefe. I am from the small and simple apartment, and the cluttered, hectic, musty bedroom basement. I am from the raspberries growing in our backyard, until our dog shannon destroyed them, silly shepard. I am from me never saying “I Love You,” yet always …
I Will Not Let Go – Troy Glover
You may be lost you may be broken You may be destitute you may be disenfranchised I will not …
In Essence – Kenny Jacobs
In essence I’ll never quit or break my stride, Until the flood gates open and resistance is futility denied The powers that be will swallow their pride and brace for impact, watching as the tide begin to rise and walls of opposition collapse, it’s a new day in fact Jewels synonymous with diamonds are considered …
In This Together – Brittian Koty Osorio
No matter what you think, you’re not in this alone We’re all in this together whether in jail or at home. These trying times we endure will help us love each other more. And we’ll enjoy all the little things we took for granted once before. Although we are many, in a sense we are …
In Wait – Christopher Meredith
At long last I’ve been picked up again. Will I be checked out? Or simply remain? In my time I’ve been thrown and tossed. For many years I was hidden away, lost. What is that?! I feel my spine move, tingle, Like music to the soul steady jingle. He is making his way to the …
Inside Insomnia – Anthony Billings
It’s a place we’ve all been at one time or another. Not hard to get there for some, but difficult for others. So I know I’m not alone to say I’m with the latter. I used to try hard to visit but my attempts rarely mattered. Determination makes it worse and impossible to grasp; Even …
Inside\Out – O.G. Blue
At first I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, “after awakening I said NO, this is for rea homie. All day long I have the sounds of nothing but keys “I say to myself oh God please, The turn-key gets to me but passes me by, I could tell from the Look in …
Into the Abyss – 3 – Gary Farlow
Staring into the abyss, longing for the sun. Living a lie, yet afraid to shed tears, Unable to display any weakness. Sunrise, sunset, the days blur. Searching for answers with none to be found. …
It got us all – Amber Daniel
The sickness that’s in us all It’s free will It was my choice, as I recall I put that pipe to my mouth That needle to my vein Again and again And again I said yes, when I knew it was wrong I was already too far gone The disease targets the weak And consumes …
JOURNEY – F.R. Martinez
Please do come in. Welcome. Feel free to relax here among these ruins where I currently reside. You must forgive my lack of social graces. I have been absent from civilized company for far too long. I have been ‘abroad’ on a long journey. I assume you find me despicable unkempt not worthy of respect. …
Justice – Gilbert Hamel
It’s a night I wish I could never remember. And a day I wish to forget. Tormented in my mind; Somehow I regret. Through my eye’s my mind, my mind could not decide to see. Somewhere in my cerebral cortex, it holds the key; Of what has become of me. Where was my common sense? …
Justice for All – Brian Johnson
I always wanted to be a voice for the people, the people before me, the people after me, and people amongst me, I want my words to speak volumes, but I don’t want to be assassinated on nobody’s balcony. Shall I speak for millions, but I’m only responsible for self, and in many words I …
Justice is Blind – Troy Glover
Justice is Blind or so I’m told can’t see a thing through that blindfold. She cannot see color of skin wealthiest King or poorest kin. The Queens English status by words the ignorant by miss used verds. My place of birth my mother’s land whether I am woman or man. Adds to her choice which …
Labyrinth of Knowledge – C.S. Eash
You awake in the darkness, thirsting for light lost like a fool, drinking the night Search for answers, from a maze of deceit listen to lessons, told not to speak Whatch the wise, learn of their craft forging a flame, illuminating the path Follow that fire, burning brightly through time faith will obscure it, leading …
LEAVING – Aaron M. Kinzer
In quarantine dreams… Floating like an autumn leaf Tossed in October’s breeze Beautiful, colored, multi-, Drifting from atop poplars hot bark In spring soaked branches Passing peers Attached only for a moment longer than I To my demise I fall and flail At the wind’s mercy Caving to nature’s cycle Resting till’ I fold to …
Letting Go – Mocha K. Scroggins
These dreams…. Only make it harder to wake up, and these regrets…. only make it harder to make up; For all the hope…. comes fear, coupled with doubt and I must cope because I can’t let go…. I just can’t let go; So take …
Loves Evolution – Safi Dona’t
When your love washes over me, I lose sight of myself But I see a purpose in me With no direction how to get there Lost? In your terrain But still, true to my purpose To live for us, succeeding. (At couples therapy?) When your love washes over me, My brain makes my eyes create …
MAGAZINES – F.R. Martinez
prison inmates look at gourmet food luxury cars boats Greek islands the Caribbean women glossy images from another planet not the one they live on and will live on for decades. 2023
Mama’s Poem – Brittian Koty Osorio
The strongest person I’ve ever known, she did her best to raise a man, Tried to teach me right from wrong but I took my own path. Beautiful women, fast cars, loud music and lots of cash Yet right, wrong or indifferent Mama had my back. Now I’m stuck in a cell, tryna contact all …
My Love – Brittian Koty Osorio
So many things run through my mind whenever she comes around. And there’s so much I wanna say that never seems to come out. She’s the love of my life and a great spectacle in my eyes. If I were to ever lose her, life would never be right. She’s never judged me based on …
My Love – Lionel Lewis Rogers
My Love isn’t just words or without meaning… My Love is truly a gem that you will find that’s rare yet sincere… My Love comes from deep within the depths of my soul… My Love is the true meaning of endless love that’s to be embraced… My Love is only a symbol of the love …
My Poem – Deidra Rose Vincer AKA Twitch
My feelings have been balled up and tossed out like tissue, but this is nearly the issue. Don’t bother with grieving, it is now a new season to receive and believe in. Blessings from heaven are not only there for you but I am here for comfort, too. I won’t let go, I’ll hold on …
My Story – Anthony Billings
Just a couple of years after birth, I was taken away, From my family that I knew up to that day Never understood why CPS separated us all Joey and Alice went together though and I am grateful for that call But my brother Jerome and I went our separate ways. Wish there was a …
My Womb/My Tomb – Shannon Pride
My Womb/My Tomb From within my womb Im consumed by Thoughts and perceived notions, fueled By state potions, entertained by dreams Trapped & fired by vision inside of me As I lay pace? Pray I devise Strategies to help the day I’m exhumed From this tomb in which I stay into that aquarium of color …
Need Rises Up – Jennifer Diaz
Need Rises Up from a bottomless well of longing, a whining so insistent NO amount of willpower can force it silent. They say the WAY to be strong when confronted with the “voices” is TO SHUTTER my ears fight the darkness, reach for the light, but THE WINDOWS are draped with memories of madness.
New Black World Order – O.G. Blue
Hello! New Black World Order, Look around what do you see, “You see all Black faces, angry just Like me Sick and tired of Mothers crying because their Songs keep dying Look at your Brother, Look to your sister, the Love between us Is felt with the same, Heartbeat, “No more dying at the hands …
no such thing as love – Jordan Earls
nanny’s voice is the first sound i hear; sweet, sweet southern drawl like music to my ears; white and brown blurs at our feet as hugs are being shared. aunt boshe and the family rushing to the porch; joy beneath bright icicle lights. is your house on fire, mark? jessie and magpie’s deviled eggs followed …
Obsession – B.E. The Truth
Anchored upon the Caribbean under exotic sunset fondle thru her hair kissing softly against your neck. The ocean breeze willows smooth through twilight skies as sultr: notions glistens brightly within your eyes. Joslyn stikes this desirable pose I find notably most attractive. I stand atop of the world enshrined within her magic. Romance conjoins complete …
Ode to a Pandemic – Gary Farlow
Ode to a Pandemic You find me at the coffee shop having your daily latte; at the movies, where you meet up with friends for popcorn, At the grocery store, strolling the aisles buying canned tomatoes, You find me on dates which is sad, because on dates I really try to …
Old Friends – O.G. Blue
A slow walk down an open country road, “Pause a minute to notice a nesting toad, “up ahead a bird feeds its young, what a beautiful sight through the glimmering sunlight, “look there’s ole Uncle Joe’s Barn there as kids we used to trump and play for hours on end, “wow, I wish those days …
Out of Pretense – B.E. The Truth
A 60’s child, I encountered: Civil rights, free Huey, Police bloodshed days into nights. I understood my plight, absorbing, violence wasn’t right. It wasn’t just blacks under siege but also white. They too faced unreasoned adversity, when national guardsmen were deployed at the university of California Berkeley. This was not a grim mistake? Ponder upon …
PARADISE MISPLACED – F.R. Martinez
From pinnacle to debacle might be a great fall but possibly short-lived. Sultry shady satin-smooth super Mario brothers Satan can attest to this, sent down to the PIT for daring to be top-dog material. Hu-Hu-Hubris! sings the angelic choir Only room for one God up in this bitch! Is how the story goes. (And maybe …
Passionate Domain – B.E. The Truth
Truly provocative. A melodious union streaming smooth sensuality. An exotic rendezvous stirring charmed swing between you and I. Her soft bedroom eyes twinkles, appeasing to taste her skin ignited sparks. Holding her close, Fondling her curvy silhouette. as sculpting in the dark. Riding risqué waves between luscious flesh hurts so good; her lips sweltering, and …
PATTERN – F.R. Martinez
I. Trapped in concentric circles, blind, I was circumscribed. Now I am a wound pierced from every direction. There’s such agony in finally perceiving. The beauty and multiplicity is too much for an old man’s eyes. The world too vast to be encompassed. I might have said back then back when that I was a …
Picture This – Marcos Henderson
4-22-2021 They say: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”, so my pen is my paint brush, paper my canvas, my medium, nouns and verbs. So picture this; dominant despair and depression, deliberate digression, an atmosphere animated by anger and aggression, always in abundance, never a recession to retard the progression/ Picture seventy-five percent of …
POETRY POETRY – Spoon Jackson
A brush dipping into a hot spring Painting pictures Of the unconscious Bringing forth ancient elixir Colled waters, golden words, Words beyond thoughts once dormant In their aboriginal form Now spawning in the caverns and canyons Of the Psyche Poetry, poetry, the robust tail of memory With a heavy mane. Ms. Dickinson sat alone in …
Porches, Puddin’, and Persimmon – Gary Farlow
Who are your people? the elderly lady asked, rockin’ on the front porch while sippin’ some sweet iced tea. We sat, years apart, yet one, as Southerners just love to while away the hours, rockin’ and watchin’ the world go by. Collards, grits, and RC Colas, hissyfits, piddlin’, and smidgen. …
Queen of My Soul – B.E. The Truth
Examining profound thoughts which cannot be recalled nor remembered, such as: your romantic smile; and sparkling figure, truly attractive too me! Mouthwatering and tender, thrusting me into complete surrender. For she’s a Bijou, a jewel. In her field of science she is in control, turn the lights down low, lady come close you warm my …
Questions – Marcos Henderson
Jadakiss asked it best, but I’m asking again. So where do I begin? How about why am I here in the first place, and why am I hated on whether I’m in last or first place? Why did I have to learn the hard way, and why is the world around me constantly trying to …
Reflections – Gary Farlow
For thirty years I was blacksmith of my soul. I put it in the furnace of austerity and burned it in the fire of egotism. I laid it upon the anvil of reproach and beat it with the hammer of blame until I made my soul a mirror. For thirty years …
Regret – Ally Bear
Do I have any? What a question to ask. Regret… Naturally I do. We ALL do. To say otherwise would be a lie. To look back, I lived in the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s. Is it healthy? NO! You can’t change the past, the things you wish you could change, fix… If only it were that …
Rehabilitation – Safi Dona’t
Today I was asked by another prisoner, “Are you rehabilitated?” I told him “I know I am!” He said “What have you learned?” I told him: I’ve learned that when I’m on the phone talking to my daughter, it feels like my heart is in my ear. I’ve learned that for some, escape is easier …
Resurrected Mind – B.E. The Truth
<p>I’ve spiraled downwards, far mind you, how can I climb back? This statement </p> <p>isn’t absurd, or is it? Years back, I paid no attention to my decline. </p> <p>Chasing women, drinking, and smoking primos. Unaware my thinking was </p> <p>Deeply sinking; becoming blind in mind of an inebriated kind. </p> <p><br></p> <p> Roaming along this reckless journey of no return. …
Revelation – Gary Farlow
I know, you think poetry is nothing but a reason for a song. I hear you, but its so much more Trust me. A poem can cut deeply and let the blood flow red. A poem can turn the clock back and help you relive lost moments. A …
Rose – Monk
Long live the rose that grew from concrete When no one else even cared! — 2Pac Rose Mis-educated Life on the streets Drug related Loved and hated Still I rise Black clouds in the sky Through the injustice And the lies Still I rise Above virus and death, Knees on my neck I can’t breathe! …
Sacrifice – Mocha K. Scroggins
Your love, for my time, Your heart but, not mine; Your trust, for my lust, Your years, for my months; Your happiness, for my anger. Your companionship, though, I was a stranger; Your peace of mind, for my constant high Your honesty, for all my lies; …
Searching – Authentic Flames
I Was Told, If You’re Searching Then You’ll Find! To Me That’s A Lie! You May Ask Why. Well When I Search All I See Is Dirt But I Keep On Searching Like A Burning Thirst Screaming For Water. I Ponder On My Footsteps, A Dumb Sheep Weak & Simple Minded As I Grace On …
Seeing Light – Spoon Jackson
Seeing light I see darkness and light The many shades of light on the blades of grasses tips glowing like ice sickles The light dancing shadows on the Long-fanning leaves of the palm trees look like blond hair. I see the darkness and light in the many shades of the sunset and how the smoke …
She Wouldn’t Know Love – John Johnson
You say you never had love to begin with. Most guys you’ve ever been with have cheated, lied, or taken your Kindness For weakness; an anxious sensitive heart boldly pounding behind breat full of hopeless romance, on the brink of breaking-points far beyond shallowy meekness. No consistent father figure to love and protect you. Quicker …
SLEEPLESS – Rick Luellen
cold winter looked at him first crack, and bigger and of course wild, unpredictable lacking all coordination she went away, left standing there walls cracking his silly, silly heart and love songs made films be something different thought was a criminal a relationship like his other half what she did? to leave his room again …
Solid Gold Rose – Jose Santiago
Because you stand out in expensive new clothe. I created you a poem from my heart mind body and soul. And since you can only be compared to rare beauty that glows. I invented you a rose that never dies or grows old. My love is priceless eternal and pure as solid Gold. I’m full …
Soulmate – C.S. Eash
Somehow somewhere at sometime, Our untraveled paths will cross So search for me my love, Until I am no longer lost Do you think of me in sleep, As I dream of you awake I obsess on all the troubles, That you and I will make Somehow I feel your hurt At night its always …
SQUIRREL TIME – F.R. Martinez
I am the connection between yesterday and today in this universe (call it mine) I am the Timepiece. I seek no broader observations and assumptions am untouched by the wider scope (the social). At this center of myself time is simplicity. Zero. As an inmate on this prison compound I may be deemed irrelevant, dead …
Status Quo – Christoper Meredith
Once again we had advanced along the grassy banks To the awe and wonderment of her vibrant flow. Being as she was just in the eclipse of her depths, But we sought the oneness of her peace and undertow. She began to rage above, with white-created waves, And boundless waters, and her endless scenario.
Teach Me Grace – Cedar Annenkovna
Color, creed, religion, sex measure not the depth of intellect and will never calculate one heartbeats strength against the nexts I am my brother’s keeper; I cannot want if he has less If I am rich while he is not …
The Birthday Party – Christopher Meredith
The birthday party went over like a lead balloon, And that was her cry as she left the room. I approached the cake to blow out the flame, While I thought it all over with no one to blame. I had ranted and raved as I tore up the house, another year older and I …
The day I got here – Jeremiah King
Wednesday tell me to get up I get up Wednesday Feed me I eat Wednesday tell me what to wear I put it on Wednesday take what is mine I do without Wednesday tell me where to go I go Wednesday let me see my folks I am so happy Wednesday ask me when I …
The Disease of the Century – Amber Daniel
Rowlo the Bowlo, puddeling of the pipe, draw back your afternoon delight It’s alright, I’ll rot out your teeth, and I’ll crater your face Nothing will ever satisfy you the same Or take my place You think you have me beat ha! Addiction is a disease This sickness makes you weak at the knees Your …
The End – Christopher Meredith
The rays of vitality will soon conclude, And the people moonstruck as a common mood. The radiant star of energy, now diminished, as life on earth is simply finished. Some will gather lovers, some will gather friends, but all new beginnings will come to an end. We learned so little, just a little too late, …
The Fence – C.S. Eash
A dog who knocks over trashcans, Will worsen in a fence of dogs, Who also knock over trashcans So unless your a sadist, Wanting something to punish, hoping it still misbehaves So you can scream at it, starve it, abuse it, encourage it, to continue all its behaviors The fence will never work.
The Forbidden Zone – B.E. The Truth
Another long day’s end! Where, who, what is a friend? Someone that understand what I convey. Someone to express kind words when I am dismayed. I search for weason, I strive for truth, periodically I hit a brick wall, periodically I lose my roots. Confused! My heart bleeds, craving cahoots, a companionship, a league for …
The Gift – Brittian Koty Osorio
I’ve been told nothing is promised but that’s not exactly right. 2 days are guaranteed, the day we’re born and the day we die. Between these 2 days is the time we call life. All the good, the bad, hopes and dreams, long story short, sunny days and cold nights. Over the years we accumulate …
THE HUSBAND – Rick Luellen
the advance of regret can be so gradual yesterday I was happy today, I realize her marriage was a failure she became unhappy unkind treatment — a few unkind words left alone in the morning he went to lunch — dinner out all over she began to see her self-confidence oozed away if she left …
The Power of One – Gary Farlow
The Power of One I am only one man but… There was a man who spent his life in poverty. He was born to humble parents and never traveled further than two hundred miles from his home, yet had an impact upon mankind that has never been equaled. His name was Jesus. I am only …
The Priestess of Darkness – Rick Luellen
I am the priestess Approach me. My eyes see more plainly … BEWARE! If anyone lays a hand toward him. Magic of Astarte Once a curious thing Seemed horrible Bent over him . . . Then he rose! At that moment, I have killed him. And she fainted. There was a cry IT CANNOT BE …
The thing about ignorance – Marcos Henderson
The thing about ignorance is that it can’t spot similarities, but can always see the difference never how close only the distance, only consistant in resistance to facts acts and slipping through the cracks, without jumping jacks just jumpimg to conclussions of confusion, trying to illuminate me with illusion. Ignorance chooses to seperate not create- …
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THE TOMB IS EMPTY – Rick Luellen
at the end and angel came down and for what reason? surely when he said to have given up the ghost another point to ponder is they saw this– the veil being torn the centurion dead it is clear he would have witnessed those things done death converted the centurion absolutely death caused every person …
This Is Me – Brittian Koty Osorio
My name is not the Shooter, the Killer, or the thief, Its not liar, drug dealer, O.G or the homie. Im not another statistic, Im merely a human being, A young man in this world with goals, hopes and dreams. Yes I made mistakes but the mistakes don’t make me. And if you could look …
To Life – Gary Farlow
Do you know warm progress under the stars? Do you know we exist? Have you been born yet and are you alive? Let’s reinvent all the gods and all the myths of the ages. Celebrate symbols from the deep elder forests. Our father is cracking the trees of the forests. Our mother is dead in …
Today, Tomorrow, Always – Christopher Meredith
Today a pain so harmful, noxious, and terrible, as days of grief and sorrow, mostly unbearable. Though I fear not, my time is close at hand. I have nothing left, nothing of this land. Tomorrow I will try once more to carry this load, But I lost the will; I am standing at the threshold. …
True Friend – Jose Santiago
Life treats a person through good and bad actions. Every action causes a reaction. To share love trust understanding and care. Is to love trust and understanding who cares. Express your thoughts and let yourself go. Just ease your mind and relax your soul. Stress can come from all different angles. Friends can become like …
Two Worlds – B.E. The Truth
In 1974, Summer fun. Picnics, babeque, hot pants, Competitive sports under sparkling sun. Frolicking in Streams of cool water cloaked from 88 degrees. Friends & laughter echo in the humid breeze. Oneness in heart. Innocence during dark. Witty and Carefree; young souls at heart. In 1984, shackled under Big Brother. A system Of sinister hierarchy. …
Untitled – Crystal Jennings
Sittin’ here starin’ out the window of my prison cell Tryin’ 2 figure where I went wrong + turned my life to a livin’ hell I think back + I see it all just a little 2 clearly The day the state ripped my kids out my arms kickin’ + screamin’ My worst fear has …
Untitled – Shannon Pride
I strolled the block with a bop I posted the block with a plock Walked the streets with my Queens Lurked the streets with my fiends Now the blocks walk around me Lengthwise End to End Here is where they placed my Adrenaline In here the Blocks walk around me And there’s a poor just …
Untitled – Shannon Pride
Have you been shot & stabbed? Check, Robbed & Stole alot Check. Do you sell drugs? And have kids who miss their father? And a father that never bothered? Check, check, check The slots we fill stay refilled No lack for comfort – the right sign it seems to fit toe to heel. Devastating all …
Up!, Up! You Mighty Man – Aaron M. Kinzer
Resisting my thoughts of rest Pushing against currents in carceral states Crushing my passivity My revolutionary spirit roars to life, George Jackson-like Tip-toeing tightropes in confines Bloody tugs of war on my soul Grays showing, now I’m old My youth removed long ago with the other cheeks turn My yearn’s for freedom to command its …
Where I’m From – Antique Soul
I am from canned foods From sulfur and gasoline I am from the creaks in the wooden Floors brown and cracked, no amount Of polish could fix me. I am from the dandelions the wild Weeds. Whose untamed growth hides me from prying eyes. I am from curry goat and dread locks. From the tears …
Woman Of Wonder – Troy Glover
Here I am I stand vigilant watching over you day and night. Sleep easy brother, son, farther, husband, and know that I am here in this fight. Never again will you stand on knees and them on your necks facing your oppressor alone. No longer will they think you easy quota to fill their industrial …
WORMS – F.R. Martinez
Words scattered on the floor, alive scrawled and crawling scrambling for sense, angling for my attention wriggling and writhing worms words that slither through me in and out of me like when I’m dead and in the ground which is why I’d rather burn and be ash scattered in the wind. All these words point …
“Neutral: The Journey Manifest” – Bednago Harper
An excerpt from my novel “Neutral: The Journey Manifest” “Not that it really matters, but I find myself very, very, very disturbed by many of the things I have witnessed during this time. I hope and pray that this will be the last time that I will ever be incarcerated. I have grown to suspect …
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A Growing Threat of Harm and Death – David Annarelli
July 9, 2023, Sunday Pocahontas State Corruption Center has been the pariah of Virginia’s Dept. of Corrections for 12+ years. Previously a well known recruitment center for white supremacist groups local to these mountains where it’s located, it is also well known as the most complained about prison, out of 41 state prisons. A google …
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A Prairie Dog’s Tale – Christopher Meredith
Volume 1, Number 1 A Short Story by: Christopher Meredith The evening started out with little concern for misfortune, but he was convinced it would not endure. A short time later his instinct rang true. While on his watch, the ground above Wags and all around him started to shake and convulse with an intensity …
A Sad Truth – Bednago Harper
Black, White, Hispanic, race don’t matter. None are exempt. Neither are the countless and rising numbers of innocent misfortune people who have fallen tragic victims in their wake. The new breed of Grim Reapers are no longer at the city gates…they are in the city! If life was fair, this world wouldn’t be such a …
A Shout Out to Asmodee Games – David J. Annarelli
A SHOUT OUT TO ASMODEE GAMES The power of a letter often goes beyond the words it contains. A letter can bring joy or tears. It can raise your voice. It can draw attention to, for good or for ill, a cause or issue. It was the letters I’ve written that drew attention to my …
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A Story To Tell – Anthony Newman
The auction blocks no different from the courthouse, can’t you see the parallel, if you can’t sit back and listen cause I’ve got a story to tell About Afrikans being kidnapped and ripped from the motherland, and brought to amerikkka and turned into a new man One that when they looked in the mirror they …
Bed Rolls – Albert Ramos
It was a hot dog day. I knew this. I knew that it was likely that everyone would leave the warehouse, and leave me to carry out my dismal plan. Thursdays the truck woud come from Clinton, packed with bins of clean prison-clothes, rolled in thin twine of plastic. My job was to …
Ben’s Wacky Jailhouse Trivia Vol 1 – Ben Wilkins
Historically, prisons and hospitals rank top of the list for being haunted, alongside cemeteries and abandoned houses. It’s creepy to consider that C.O.s and cons alike share many unexplained paranormal stories. Strange noises and self-moving objects are just a couple common topics. Did you know that a bag of “movie theatre butter” microwave popcorn …
Boxman – Harold Johnson
7 ft. wide, 13 ft long, 8 ½ ft. high is a box with a Bunk bed, combined toilet and sink, a small table with two metal stools that swing out from under the table, a 5 in. x 20 in. window on my steel door, a 10 ½ in. x 3 ½ ft window …
Broken: Solitary Confinement – Antwaan Johnson
Prison has been known to house some of the most dangerous individuals in the world. What’s known as Administrative Confinement (Ad-Seg) and Solitary Confinement have tested the toughest of them mentally. It is an experience that, once endured, one will never forget…and many who are subjected to these methods of discipline are never the same. …
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Can Art Save Lives? – Yuri Kadamov
Can Art Save Lives? I can tell you this: it’s saving mine every day. I am a Lithuanian citizen under a sentence of death for crimes I did not commit as a result of an unfair trial replete with false testimony and misleading arguments. My case is currently on appeal. I am the only citizen …
Evanescence – SPIN
Isolation. Desolation. Abandonment. Ostracism. Left, to die on the vine. These are just some of the feelings prison evokes. It’s a dark and depressing place, with plenty of reasons to retreat to the solitude of our cells and to walk around like zombies with our heads hung low in silent resignation. But it doesn’t have …
Free Britney Griner – David J. Annarelli
FREE BRITNEY GRINER & all political prisoners foreign & domestic As the world continues to descend into assorted & varied madness, the word freedom is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Ukraine, clearly, but also those political dissidents such as Mr. Navalny, as of June 15 disappeared into a Russian maximum security prison, & those …
James’ Story – Scottie James Smith
(1) My name is Scottie I was born on June 20th 1971. When I was born I was to big for my mother to give birth to me and me and my mother died 3 times while she was giving birth to me but god didn’t want that so that is why I’m alive today. …
Make Examples, Not Excuses – Anthony Billings
There’s been an issue that I have been wanting to talk about for a long time now. It is becoming rampant and I’m convinced that it’s contagious. I’m going to call it the “Give Me Complex.” Let me give you an example. Just the other day I was talking to someone who was interested in …
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Mandibula Toxata – Royal Robinson
Carcinogens, what’s that the people who’ve depended on our services for years. People of this town in particular for God’s sake. Even our pastor who strategically lectured of sacrifice to attend service instead of Sunday’s game, keeps his Vatican well-lit with 100 watt bulbs. Don’t see him sacrificing to candlelight do you. I burned a …
Motivation 101 – Ben Wilkins
For thousands of years ancient philosophers have attempted to distill the secrets of wisdom to the people. They taught that that anybody could be wildly successful at life regardless of their background or beliefs. The will to know, the will to be and the will to do. Just three steps. It sounds so simple in …
Nobody’s Listening… – Antwaan Johnson
The following night, Stoney’s parents were arguing again so he decided to take a walk down the street and get some snacks from the gas station that wasn’t too far from his home. He was fiddled with his phone to change the song he was listening to, and looked up just in time to see …
On Discovering His Truth – Ben Wilkins
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of the word truth begins in part: truth/trüth/noun/ 1: TRUTHFULNESS, HONESTY 2: the real state of things: FACT 3: the body of real events or facts: ACTUALITY Consider for a long moment, what does the word truth mean to you? Epiphany usually strikes when least expected and this time was no …
On Paper Cranes – Obie Weathers
On Paper Cranes
One Day – Rick Vance
10 pm…. Walking across the yard, empty now. Everyone locked up asleep for the night. My day is just starting, I gather my thoughts, before arriving at the Pallative Care unit. I got 1 on the watch (constant care 1 on 1 in his cell) it’s been three long days for my friend who has …
Political Recession – B.E. The Truth
America, has yet again suffered another tragic hour; because Donald Trump’s improper behavior to retain supremacy executive power. There cannot be no democracy, no unity, without accountability. There cannot be a sound society without legal boundaries. How can the Nation stand powerful and robust, coast to coast? When the government runs amok? How can the …
Polyhedron Dice, Gambling, & VA DOC’s Bad Policies – David J Annarelli
Polyhedron dice. We are currently working to get these approved at the Virginia Dept. of Corrections facility, Pocahontas State Corruption Center. Polyhedron dice are used in most Role Playing Games (RPGs) & a full set consists of seven individual dice. A four sided di, a six, eight, two ten sided, a twelves sided, & the …
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Prison 101 – Frederick Mason
(How To Kill The First Amendment) “When the prison gates slam behind an inmate, he does not lose all his human quality; his mud does not become closed to ideas; his intellect does not cease to feed on a free and open interchange of opinions; his yearning for self-respect does not end; nor is his …
Public Secrets: A Sneak Peek Inside Alaska’s Overcrowded Prisons – Ben Wilkins
His blood geysered into the air, creating bright red patterns on the floor like a Rorschach ink blot test. The screaming chant “lockdown!”, “lockdown!” echoed in our ears as four emergency response guards lumbered on scene with red-dot tasers and mace canisters drawn. Then two guards half carried half dragged the victim down a flight …
Purpose! – MAJI
Lately I haven’t been having good days. You should know that because of this Covid-19 pandemic, our movements at this prison have been severely limited. We been lucky to have no real outbreak of the virus in the institution but the stress behind being lockdown has reached a boiling point. To be honest, I’m the …
Shenanigans – Ben Wilkins
~a Modern Expose on Forty would be Cheaters~ It was 9:03 pm at her small but cozy home somewhere near Syracuse when heartache struck swiftly for my cousin Mandy. She was scrolling through facebook when she discovered that her boyfriend of four years had cheated on her—and used the post for a farewell statement. We …
So True – B.E. The Truth
As a roaring river, flowing freely and deep. I discovered within you this innocence, fashioned with CHARM that’s quite sweet. Shimmering textures of providence, foretells your purpose and beliefs. Moving BENEVOLENT FORTITUDE, BOUNTIFUL in handling your affairs. MAJESTIC LADY proclaim your world an oyster; for GOD DOES CARE Feel reassured and CONFIDENT that you’re …
STATE DEATH – Dorothy Maraglino
For 15 long years, he was held captive in a small concrete room. His bed was a hard steel slab covered with a thin mat. A sliver of a window barely let in the sunlight on a bright day. He was grateful for the steel toilet and sink. Plumbing accounted for most of his physical …
The Forgotten Ones – Artavious Boddie
Behind doors of steal and walls of concret, is were the forgotten ones sleep. Discarded and ridiculed by one who are just as human as ourselves. Sentenced to hours, days, months, years, decades. Locked down, and counted like cattle from day to night, this is were we mentally fight our fight. Remember the ones that …
The Introduction – B.E. The Truth
I am not a Black human being to be honored as an unintellectual puppet or a slave. This dreaded halfway point is the story of Blacks and other human beings of color in America. Forged under the gripping saga in which America was built on. In 2021, the American way of …
The Invisible Woman – David Meade
The invisible woman works extravagantly hard in the workplace but yet her boss & colleagues pays her no attention, She has multiple college degree’s including a (MBA) degree) with no criminal record but yet she has the lowest pay with the highest position. All of her co-worker’s are woman of the caucasian race that does …
THE KENNEL – F.R. Martinez
If there is a term meaning the opposite of ‘anthropomorphism’, i.e. giving animals ‘human’ qualities, I don’t know it. What do you call it when humans are given animal qualities, as in prison for instance? Here in prison all of us inmates are dogs. Dogs in a kennel. It was, and probably still is, a …
The Search – Bednago Harper
The Search Part I So long she’d waited, wondered, hoped and prayed. All that had finally come to pass. A powerful mixture of determined restless anticipation surged through the young girl as she slowly closed the mailbox. She wasn’t just a kid anymore, naive and accepting. Tall, graceful, and very high spirited, at fifteen, she …
The World’s Just A Ghetto – B.E. The Truth
Torn within America, slowly digging my own ditch; slaving to survive only to cater to the rich. Stressin’ to discover my self identity, while my back’s against the wall just to feed the family. The pressures, shame, addictions, the pains. Isn’t life defying enough without the added strains? How must we move forward not …
TJ’s Letter – Thomas Rucker
Sometimes it is painful to relive the past but sometimes you must relive the past in order to heal from it. Allow my voice to speak on behalf of us who society has turned their back on or no longer sees. Many are unaware of the struggles in our very own communities. My hope is …
True Travel – Spoon Jackson
Light travels through time, backwards and forward. What can we see without light? Light reflected from the moon, eyes and blades of grass. I stand inside the dayroom 5:30 am looking down front the upper tier — the 8 metal tables and stools have different shades of light and darkness — the closest two tables …
Unicorn Sock – Royal Robinson
Something isn’t right. Normally school mornings are like costume shopping the day before halloween, realizing at school I wore my brother’s socks that mismatched the unicorn printed one on my left foot. Because of sisters hearing impairment she was exempt from morning hustle. Mom wrote who she was, “Sister” and her name, “Ethyl Ace Tate,” …
Waiting – Gary Farlow
Why do I live this life, I don’t know. Always trapped in this endless hell. Why do I go on, why do I try? WHen it’s just as easy to roll over and die. Death is the last great adventure. An undiscovered country with endless possibilities. But yet still I am stuck in this reality. …
Welcome to Hell – Deidra Rose Vincer AKA Twitch
They say Hell is a place you go when you die, I strongly disagree. Hell is a place here on Earth, I know, I’ve been there and I am very much alive. I’ve been to Hell, it’s true, I’ve lived there and I live there now. It’s bitter cold and filled with angry voices, only …
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When I Reflect – Andrew Wadsworth
The Beat Without. Volume 2117/18 When I reflect on my past history, the confusion, the instability and abandonment, I can’t help but to wonder how I made it out alive. On one side, I was around crack cocaine addicted parents in a drug infested home. On the other side, I was blessed to have loving …
“Neutral: The Journey Manifest” – Bednago Harper
An excerpt from my novel “Neutral: The Journey Manifest” “Not that it really matters, but I find myself very, very, very disturbed by many of the things I have witnessed during this time. I hope and pray that this will be the last time that I will ever be incarcerated. I have grown to suspect …
Continue reading “Neutral: The Journey Manifest” – Bednago Harper
A Mile in My Shoes – Anthony Billings
A gathering among some placed in different categories. They have all led different lives and these are their stories. I’ve been on the road all day and hardly took a break, Been running a triathlon that I’m hoping to take. I know I smell funny even with all this air, But …
Alone – Cory Sitsler
loneliness my cloke i wear. solitude my only compasion, this lonely path i walk, forever condemned to wander, oh how i search for even a morsal, a crumb of Decency, a whisper in this cacophony of silence, have mercy this sentence is too much to bare, release me, from this sentence of dispair.
Ben’s Wacky Jailhouse Trivia Vol 1 – Ben Wilkins
Historically, prisons and hospitals rank top of the list for being haunted, alongside cemeteries and abandoned houses. It’s creepy to consider that C.O.s and cons alike share many unexplained paranormal stories. Strange noises and self-moving objects are just a couple common topics. Did you know that a bag of “movie theatre butter” microwave popcorn …
Ebi ni mo fi okan – Here you lay down your heart – Troy Glover
What beauty is found in Prison What music from bars do listen Suffering is the sound From the madness around To quench Hope is T.D.C’s mission. There’s a secret people don’t know a sliver of light they won’t show a seedling on the rise fed by the tears and the cries by the blood of …
Existing Question – Derrick Grantley
As I express my deepest pain, thru these quatrains and these stanzas, trust that I am genuine, for my anger out weighs my guilt Guilt of association Guilt of affiliation Guilt of humiliation Guilt of degradation Open your eyes and heart Some times the truth may set you free Ignorance is contagious All my life, …
Inside\Out – O.G. Blue
At first I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, “after awakening I said NO, this is for rea homie. All day long I have the sounds of nothing but keys “I say to myself oh God please, The turn-key gets to me but passes me by, I could tell from the Look in …
My Womb/My Tomb – Shannon Pride
My Womb/My Tomb From within my womb Im consumed by Thoughts and perceived notions, fueled By state potions, entertained by dreams Trapped & fired by vision inside of me As I lay pace? Pray I devise Strategies to help the day I’m exhumed From this tomb in which I stay into that aquarium of color …
One Day – Rick Vance
10 pm…. Walking across the yard, empty now. Everyone locked up asleep for the night. My day is just starting, I gather my thoughts, before arriving at the Pallative Care unit. I got 1 on the watch (constant care 1 on 1 in his cell) it’s been three long days for my friend who has …
Public Secrets: A Sneak Peek Inside Alaska’s Overcrowded Prisons – Ben Wilkins
His blood geysered into the air, creating bright red patterns on the floor like a Rorschach ink blot test. The screaming chant “lockdown!”, “lockdown!” echoed in our ears as four emergency response guards lumbered on scene with red-dot tasers and mace canisters drawn. Then two guards half carried half dragged the victim down a flight …
Rehabilitation – Safi Dona’t
Today I was asked by another prisoner, “Are you rehabilitated?” I told him “I know I am!” He said “What have you learned?” I told him: I’ve learned that when I’m on the phone talking to my daughter, it feels like my heart is in my ear. I’ve learned that for some, escape is easier …
The day I got here – Jeremiah King
Wednesday tell me to get up I get up Wednesday Feed me I eat Wednesday tell me what to wear I put it on Wednesday take what is mine I do without Wednesday tell me where to go I go Wednesday let me see my folks I am so happy Wednesday ask me when I …
Untitled – Crystal Jennings
Sittin’ here starin’ out the window of my prison cell Tryin’ 2 figure where I went wrong + turned my life to a livin’ hell I think back + I see it all just a little 2 clearly The day the state ripped my kids out my arms kickin’ + screamin’ My worst fear has …
Untitled – Shannon Pride
Have you been shot & stabbed? Check, Robbed & Stole alot Check. Do you sell drugs? And have kids who miss their father? And a father that never bothered? Check, check, check The slots we fill stay refilled No lack for comfort – the right sign it seems to fit toe to heel. Devastating all …
Untitled – Shannon Pride
I strolled the block with a bop I posted the block with a plock Walked the streets with my Queens Lurked the streets with my fiends Now the blocks walk around me Lengthwise End to End Here is where they placed my Adrenaline In here the Blocks walk around me And there’s a poor just …
A Voice From Inside… – Amber Daniel
All my life I’ve been a drug addict, at least since I was 13 years old. What caused me to come down this life road? IDOC # 101969 Inmate Daniel, I was supposed to be somebody special. Not some loser. What makes me a loser? Societies views, and harsh opinions do… In the eyes of …
Broken Windows and the Persistence of Hope – Obie Weathers
Hey, Everybody– – I hope you all are doing good. Staying safe out there and taking care of your loved ones. I’m good. The weather is swinging wildly from hot to cold to hot– –and it messes with my mood. So I’m taking it easy today. It’s my sister’s birthday, and I …
Continue reading Broken Windows and the Persistence of Hope – Obie Weathers
Evanescence – SPIN
Isolation. Desolation. Abandonment. Ostracism. Left, to die on the vine. These are just some of the feelings prison evokes. It’s a dark and depressing place, with plenty of reasons to retreat to the solitude of our cells and to walk around like zombies with our heads hung low in silent resignation. But it doesn’t have …
Guiding Light – Aaron Kinzer
America!, Awaken from your dreams deferred and hearken to your hopes preferred. Despite your curtains close live up to your ideas chose. For the people ponder daily, bashful but bravely trudging along a path paved by wounded warriors ensconced in tombs engraved and souls previously saved. Reach, America!, out of the puddles of mud but …
I am From – Brian Hindson
I am from a cup of coffee, from Folgers and now Keefe. I am from the small and simple apartment, and the cluttered, hectic, musty bedroom basement. I am from the raspberries growing in our backyard, until our dog shannon destroyed them, silly shepard. I am from me never saying “I Love You,” yet always …
It got us all – Amber Daniel
The sickness that’s in us all It’s free will It was my choice, as I recall I put that pipe to my mouth That needle to my vein Again and again And again I said yes, when I knew it was wrong I was already too far gone The disease targets the weak And consumes …
Make Examples, Not Excuses – Anthony Billings
There’s been an issue that I have been wanting to talk about for a long time now. It is becoming rampant and I’m convinced that it’s contagious. I’m going to call it the “Give Me Complex.” Let me give you an example. Just the other day I was talking to someone who was interested in …
Continue reading Make Examples, Not Excuses – Anthony Billings
My Womb/My Tomb – Shannon Pride
My Womb/My Tomb From within my womb Im consumed by Thoughts and perceived notions, fueled By state potions, entertained by dreams Trapped & fired by vision inside of me As I lay pace? Pray I devise Strategies to help the day I’m exhumed From this tomb in which I stay into that aquarium of color …
Regret – Ally Bear
Do I have any? What a question to ask. Regret… Naturally I do. We ALL do. To say otherwise would be a lie. To look back, I lived in the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s. Is it healthy? NO! You can’t change the past, the things you wish you could change, fix… If only it were that …
Searching – Authentic Flames
I Was Told, If You’re Searching Then You’ll Find! To Me That’s A Lie! You May Ask Why. Well When I Search All I See Is Dirt But I Keep On Searching Like A Burning Thirst Screaming For Water. I Ponder On My Footsteps, A Dumb Sheep Weak & Simple Minded As I Grace On …
Teach Me Grace – Cedar Annenkovna
Color, creed, religion, sex measure not the depth of intellect and will never calculate one heartbeats strength against the nexts I am my brother’s keeper; I cannot want if he has less If I am rich while he is not …
This Is Me – Brittian Koty Osorio
My name is not the Shooter, the Killer, or the thief, Its not liar, drug dealer, O.G or the homie. Im not another statistic, Im merely a human being, A young man in this world with goals, hopes and dreams. Yes I made mistakes but the mistakes don’t make me. And if you could look …
TJ’s Letter – Thomas Rucker
Sometimes it is painful to relive the past but sometimes you must relive the past in order to heal from it. Allow my voice to speak on behalf of us who society has turned their back on or no longer sees. Many are unaware of the struggles in our very own communities. My hope is …
When I Reflect – Andrew Wadsworth
The Beat Without. Volume 2117/18 When I reflect on my past history, the confusion, the instability and abandonment, I can’t help but to wonder how I made it out alive. On one side, I was around crack cocaine addicted parents in a drug infested home. On the other side, I was blessed to have loving …
Where I’m From – Antique Soul
I am from canned foods From sulfur and gasoline I am from the creaks in the wooden Floors brown and cracked, no amount Of polish could fix me. I am from the dandelions the wild Weeds. Whose untamed growth hides me from prying eyes. I am from curry goat and dread locks. From the tears …
A Fathers Wish – Brittian Koty Osorio
I shake my head in disappointment as the sound of a gunshot screams in the night Because I know that with that sound comes the end of another human life. Kids killing kids over something so simple as losing a fair fight or A son killing his father for hitting his mother one too many …
Between Us – O.G. Blue
May the love between us be strong May the trust between us be whole And may the words between us be true May our eyes see one another And may our souls hold one another And may our wants and desires be as one And may the happiness we accumulate all through life separate us …
Distant, but Mine – Jordan Earls
a bright, fall day marshmallow clouds float overhead sitting beneath the white post the one at the end of the front yard my siblings and i with a great orange pumpkin picture time. sharing the bed with my best friend big brother a bottle of chocolate milk while josh talks himself to sleep all is …
I am From – Brian Hindson
I am from a cup of coffee, from Folgers and now Keefe. I am from the small and simple apartment, and the cluttered, hectic, musty bedroom basement. I am from the raspberries growing in our backyard, until our dog shannon destroyed them, silly shepard. I am from me never saying “I Love You,” yet always …
In This Together – Brittian Koty Osorio
No matter what you think, you’re not in this alone We’re all in this together whether in jail or at home. These trying times we endure will help us love each other more. And we’ll enjoy all the little things we took for granted once before. Although we are many, in a sense we are …
Mama’s Poem – Brittian Koty Osorio
The strongest person I’ve ever known, she did her best to raise a man, Tried to teach me right from wrong but I took my own path. Beautiful women, fast cars, loud music and lots of cash Yet right, wrong or indifferent Mama had my back. Now I’m stuck in a cell, tryna contact all …
My Story – Anthony Billings
Just a couple of years after birth, I was taken away, From my family that I knew up to that day Never understood why CPS separated us all Joey and Alice went together though and I am grateful for that call But my brother Jerome and I went our separate ways. Wish there was a …
no such thing as love – Jordan Earls
nanny’s voice is the first sound i hear; sweet, sweet southern drawl like music to my ears; white and brown blurs at our feet as hugs are being shared. aunt boshe and the family rushing to the porch; joy beneath bright icicle lights. is your house on fire, mark? jessie and magpie’s deviled eggs followed …
Old Friends – O.G. Blue
A slow walk down an open country road, “Pause a minute to notice a nesting toad, “up ahead a bird feeds its young, what a beautiful sight through the glimmering sunlight, “look there’s ole Uncle Joe’s Barn there as kids we used to trump and play for hours on end, “wow, I wish those days …
One Day – Rick Vance
10 pm…. Walking across the yard, empty now. Everyone locked up asleep for the night. My day is just starting, I gather my thoughts, before arriving at the Pallative Care unit. I got 1 on the watch (constant care 1 on 1 in his cell) it’s been three long days for my friend who has …
Shenanigans – Ben Wilkins
~a Modern Expose on Forty would be Cheaters~ It was 9:03 pm at her small but cozy home somewhere near Syracuse when heartache struck swiftly for my cousin Mandy. She was scrolling through facebook when she discovered that her boyfriend of four years had cheated on her—and used the post for a farewell statement. We …
The Search – Bednago Harper
The Search Part I So long she’d waited, wondered, hoped and prayed. All that had finally come to pass. A powerful mixture of determined restless anticipation surged through the young girl as she slowly closed the mailbox. She wasn’t just a kid anymore, naive and accepting. Tall, graceful, and very high spirited, at fifteen, she …
When I Reflect – Andrew Wadsworth
The Beat Without. Volume 2117/18 When I reflect on my past history, the confusion, the instability and abandonment, I can’t help but to wonder how I made it out alive. On one side, I was around crack cocaine addicted parents in a drug infested home. On the other side, I was blessed to have loving …
Where I’m From – Antique Soul
I am from canned foods From sulfur and gasoline I am from the creaks in the wooden Floors brown and cracked, no amount Of polish could fix me. I am from the dandelions the wild Weeds. Whose untamed growth hides me from prying eyes. I am from curry goat and dread locks. From the tears …
Woman Of Wonder – Troy Glover
Here I am I stand vigilant watching over you day and night. Sleep easy brother, son, farther, husband, and know that I am here in this fight. Never again will you stand on knees and them on your necks facing your oppressor alone. No longer will they think you easy quota to fill their industrial …
A Voice From Inside… – Amber Daniel
All my life I’ve been a drug addict, at least since I was 13 years old. What caused me to come down this life road? IDOC # 101969 Inmate Daniel, I was supposed to be somebody special. Not some loser. What makes me a loser? Societies views, and harsh opinions do… In the eyes of …
Choices – Brittian Koty Osorio
Everyday you clock in you’re making a sacrifice. To work on the frontlines, risking your own lives. Mentally and physically ready to lose your mind. Although you wear a smile we see the tears you hide. Every segment of the news someone breaks down crying. Because we see what you do to keep us alive. …
Crushed By The System – Troy Glover
We fought the fight for freedom Stood strong to support equal rights generously given for next generations all lost when we let go the light. Further our fathers have faded So sons now stand in quicksand growing in the gutter of gall losing their lives to the land. Wise women our wives and daughters Sown …
Ebi ni mo fi okan – Here you lay down your heart – Troy Glover
What beauty is found in Prison What music from bars do listen Suffering is the sound From the madness around To quench Hope is T.D.C’s mission. There’s a secret people don’t know a sliver of light they won’t show a seedling on the rise fed by the tears and the cries by the blood of …
God is Good – Amber Daniel
Running, hiding, and living a lie Living on the wrong side of the law Trust me that’s no way to live at all Something calling me from within It’s time to change my friend The addiction is losing its hold Life’s no longer wasting away Falling apart, growing old It’s finally falling into place The …
I Will Not Let Go – Troy Glover
You may be lost you may be broken You may be destitute you may be disenfranchised I will not …
In Essence – Kenny Jacobs
In essence I’ll never quit or break my stride, Until the flood gates open and resistance is futility denied The powers that be will swallow their pride and brace for impact, watching as the tide begin to rise and walls of opposition collapse, it’s a new day in fact Jewels synonymous with diamonds are considered …
In This Together – Brittian Koty Osorio
No matter what you think, you’re not in this alone We’re all in this together whether in jail or at home. These trying times we endure will help us love each other more. And we’ll enjoy all the little things we took for granted once before. Although we are many, in a sense we are …
One Day – Rick Vance
10 pm…. Walking across the yard, empty now. Everyone locked up asleep for the night. My day is just starting, I gather my thoughts, before arriving at the Pallative Care unit. I got 1 on the watch (constant care 1 on 1 in his cell) it’s been three long days for my friend who has …
Regret – Ally Bear
Do I have any? What a question to ask. Regret… Naturally I do. We ALL do. To say otherwise would be a lie. To look back, I lived in the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s. Is it healthy? NO! You can’t change the past, the things you wish you could change, fix… If only it were that …
The Gift – Brittian Koty Osorio
I’ve been told nothing is promised but that’s not exactly right. 2 days are guaranteed, the day we’re born and the day we die. Between these 2 days is the time we call life. All the good, the bad, hopes and dreams, long story short, sunny days and cold nights. Over the years we accumulate …
When I Reflect – Andrew Wadsworth
The Beat Without. Volume 2117/18 When I reflect on my past history, the confusion, the instability and abandonment, I can’t help but to wonder how I made it out alive. On one side, I was around crack cocaine addicted parents in a drug infested home. On the other side, I was blessed to have loving …
Woman Of Wonder – Troy Glover
Here I am I stand vigilant watching over you day and night. Sleep easy brother, son, farther, husband, and know that I am here in this fight. Never again will you stand on knees and them on your necks facing your oppressor alone. No longer will they think you easy quota to fill their industrial …
A Sad Truth – Bednago Harper
Black, White, Hispanic, race don’t matter. None are exempt. Neither are the countless and rising numbers of innocent misfortune people who have fallen tragic victims in their wake. The new breed of Grim Reapers are no longer at the city gates…they are in the city! If life was fair, this world wouldn’t be such a …
A Story To Tell – Anthony Newman
The auction blocks no different from the courthouse, can’t you see the parallel, if you can’t sit back and listen cause I’ve got a story to tell About Afrikans being kidnapped and ripped from the motherland, and brought to amerikkka and turned into a new man One that when they looked in the mirror they …
Awaken – Ted “Wizdom” Snider
Threatened, Attacked while the camera’s rollin’ Restrained, Beaten, even while recordin’ Detained, Arrested without an explanation. Why won’t you tell me why you are here? Where are you taking me? Why over there? I live by myself, do you not hear me? I am alone. Why won’t you believe me? Shackled, Bleedin’, surrounded by the …
Black Lives Matter – Brittian Koty Osorio
My best friend’s son is half black. My baby cousin is half black. 2 of my nieces are half black. Do I need to worry that one day when they go out, they might not make it back? Everyday I live in fear because these are not disguisable facts. They may not be my children, …
Crushed By The System – Troy Glover
We fought the fight for freedom Stood strong to support equal rights generously given for next generations all lost when we let go the light. Further our fathers have faded So sons now stand in quicksand growing in the gutter of gall losing their lives to the land. Wise women our wives and daughters Sown …
Justice is Blind – Troy Glover
Justice is Blind or so I’m told can’t see a thing through that blindfold. She cannot see color of skin wealthiest King or poorest kin. The Queens English status by words the ignorant by miss used verds. My place of birth my mother’s land whether I am woman or man. Adds to her choice which …
New Black World Order – O.G. Blue
Hello! New Black World Order, Look around what do you see, “You see all Black faces, angry just Like me Sick and tired of Mothers crying because their Songs keep dying Look at your Brother, Look to your sister, the Love between us Is felt with the same, Heartbeat, “No more dying at the hands …
Political Recession – B.E. The Truth
America, has yet again suffered another tragic hour; because Donald Trump’s improper behavior to retain supremacy executive power. There cannot be no democracy, no unity, without accountability. There cannot be a sound society without legal boundaries. How can the Nation stand powerful and robust, coast to coast? When the government runs amok? How can the …
Public Secrets: A Sneak Peek Inside Alaska’s Overcrowded Prisons – Ben Wilkins
His blood geysered into the air, creating bright red patterns on the floor like a Rorschach ink blot test. The screaming chant “lockdown!”, “lockdown!” echoed in our ears as four emergency response guards lumbered on scene with red-dot tasers and mace canisters drawn. Then two guards half carried half dragged the victim down a flight …
Teach Me Grace – Cedar Annenkovna
Color, creed, religion, sex measure not the depth of intellect and will never calculate one heartbeats strength against the nexts I am my brother’s keeper; I cannot want if he has less If I am rich while he is not …
Woman Of Wonder – Troy Glover
Here I am I stand vigilant watching over you day and night. Sleep easy brother, son, farther, husband, and know that I am here in this fight. Never again will you stand on knees and them on your necks facing your oppressor alone. No longer will they think you easy quota to fill their industrial …
24 Karat – B.E. The Truth
Charismatic lady reveals blissful delight. Arouses curiosity; unmasking needs appearing true Expressing urgency, in wanting you. Her quixotic features; flows cascades of passion. Mon Cherie, winesome fondness mingles tantalizing fashion. Wanton harmony burns body–soul liquefy as one. Soaring into flight galaxies exploding! Intense congenial delight. Our impulse testifies; mystical appeal, for receptive merit. Love’s artistic …
A Wonderful World – O.G. Blue
The Wonders of the World goes far beyond sights and sounds, “for a beautiful promise came with it “With a sound mind and a glorious attitude are the beginning of precious Life so delicate will travel through this World with Love so deep its beyond measure only to endure its endless and everlasting treasures All …
Between Us – O.G. Blue
May the love between us be strong May the trust between us be whole And may the words between us be true May our eyes see one another And may our souls hold one another And may our wants and desires be as one And may the happiness we accumulate all through life separate us …
Her – Brittian Koty Osorio
She was an ordinary woman when we met the 1st time. After 3 years I just knew I had to make her mine. She had pretty eyes and an unforgettable smile Plus a heart of gold and an intellectual mind. Jealousy and foolishness drove me to let her go, But if she could see into …
Loves Evolution – Safi Dona’t
When your love washes over me, I lose sight of myself But I see a purpose in me With no direction how to get there Lost? In your terrain But still, true to my purpose To live for us, succeeding. (At couples therapy?) When your love washes over me, My brain makes my eyes create …
My Love – Brittian Koty Osorio
So many things run through my mind whenever she comes around. And there’s so much I wanna say that never seems to come out. She’s the love of my life and a great spectacle in my eyes. If I were to ever lose her, life would never be right. She’s never judged me based on …
My Love – Lionel Lewis Rogers
My Love isn’t just words or without meaning… My Love is truly a gem that you will find that’s rare yet sincere… My Love comes from deep within the depths of my soul… My Love is the true meaning of endless love that’s to be embraced… My Love is only a symbol of the love …
Obsession – B.E. The Truth
Anchored upon the Caribbean under exotic sunset fondle thru her hair kissing softly against your neck. The ocean breeze willows smooth through twilight skies as sultr: notions glistens brightly within your eyes. Joslyn stikes this desirable pose I find notably most attractive. I stand atop of the world enshrined within her magic. Romance conjoins complete …
A Gentle Whisper – B.E. The Truth
Life is rewarding when benevolence is for another. Expressing JESUS, optimism, no contradiction, no contrast towards color. Deep inside we’re all the same, not as blood relative. LOVE links us, understand a narrative. LOVE is warmth, LOVE inspires to forgive. No confusion, no turmoil. LOVE gives purpose to live. I’m no threat, my personal inventory …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 1) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 1 The Cosmos unveiled The Mind of God, The Eternal Thought Generator: The ageless, timeless, boundless, Divine Primordial Dream Navigator. Nameless at first: I AM THAT I AM: The One Mind had no need of a name. Then One Mind envisaged …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 2) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 2 In a fiery sphere of energy, Primeval and dense; torrid, opaque, The constituents of the Cosmic Elements Physical Laws did make, Quanta of this and quanta that Were zooming about and colliding. Electrons and positrons in pairs, They were formed …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 3) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 3 Each new supernova explosion To a new Angel, like me, gave birth, Expelled from their parent-star’s cores, these New Angels of God varied in worth. Orders of Angels, numbering nine, Celestial God ingratiators, Constituting the Hierarchy, Came forth from stellar …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 4) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 4 Soon after my birth I was conscious, Observing what I’ve thus far relayed, And after the Order of Angels Were born, we all became quite dismayed. In time, some spherical galaxies Flattened into giant spiral forms, With arms extending out …
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies (Canto 5) – Zachariah Chiaia
An excerpt from: Lucifer’s Polemic: A Poem in Six Rhapsodies by Zachariah Chiaia Canto 5 Ere Gaea assumed her present form She first endured The Transformation, Metamorphosing to then emerge A fertile place for life creation. The fledgeling Earth, a molten spheroid, Metals and gasses and silicates, Completely differentiated, Forming many layered aggregates. Most of …
God is Good – Amber Daniel
Running, hiding, and living a lie Living on the wrong side of the law Trust me that’s no way to live at all Something calling me from within It’s time to change my friend The addiction is losing its hold Life’s no longer wasting away Falling apart, growing old It’s finally falling into place The …
On Discovering His Truth – Ben Wilkins
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of the word truth begins in part: truth/trüth/noun/ 1: TRUTHFULNESS, HONESTY 2: the real state of things: FACT 3: the body of real events or facts: ACTUALITY Consider for a long moment, what does the word truth mean to you? Epiphany usually strikes when least expected and this time was no …
One Day – Rick Vance
10 pm…. Walking across the yard, empty now. Everyone locked up asleep for the night. My day is just starting, I gather my thoughts, before arriving at the Pallative Care unit. I got 1 on the watch (constant care 1 on 1 in his cell) it’s been three long days for my friend who has …
A Fathers Wish – Brittian Koty Osorio
I shake my head in disappointment as the sound of a gunshot screams in the night Because I know that with that sound comes the end of another human life. Kids killing kids over something so simple as losing a fair fight or A son killing his father for hitting his mother one too many …
A Story To Tell – Anthony Newman
The auction blocks no different from the courthouse, can’t you see the parallel, if you can’t sit back and listen cause I’ve got a story to tell About Afrikans being kidnapped and ripped from the motherland, and brought to amerikkka and turned into a new man One that when they looked in the mirror they …
A Voice From Inside… – Amber Daniel
All my life I’ve been a drug addict, at least since I was 13 years old. What caused me to come down this life road? IDOC # 101969 Inmate Daniel, I was supposed to be somebody special. Not some loser. What makes me a loser? Societies views, and harsh opinions do… In the eyes of …
Alone – Cory Sitsler
loneliness my cloke i wear. solitude my only compasion, this lonely path i walk, forever condemned to wander, oh how i search for even a morsal, a crumb of Decency, a whisper in this cacophony of silence, have mercy this sentence is too much to bare, release me, from this sentence of dispair.
Existing Question – Derrick Grantley
As I express my deepest pain, thru these quatrains and these stanzas, trust that I am genuine, for my anger out weighs my guilt Guilt of association Guilt of affiliation Guilt of humiliation Guilt of degradation Open your eyes and heart Some times the truth may set you free Ignorance is contagious All my life, …
I Will Not Let Go – Troy Glover
You may be lost you may be broken You may be destitute you may be disenfranchised I will not …
Inside Insomnia – Anthony Billings
It’s a place we’ve all been at one time or another. Not hard to get there for some, but difficult for others. So I know I’m not alone to say I’m with the latter. I used to try hard to visit but my attempts rarely mattered. Determination makes it worse and impossible to grasp; Even …
It got us all – Amber Daniel
The sickness that’s in us all It’s free will It was my choice, as I recall I put that pipe to my mouth That needle to my vein Again and again And again I said yes, when I knew it was wrong I was already too far gone The disease targets the weak And consumes …
Rehabilitation – Safi Dona’t
Today I was asked by another prisoner, “Are you rehabilitated?” I told him “I know I am!” He said “What have you learned?” I told him: I’ve learned that when I’m on the phone talking to my daughter, it feels like my heart is in my ear. I’ve learned that for some, escape is easier …
Searching – Authentic Flames
I Was Told, If You’re Searching Then You’ll Find! To Me That’s A Lie! You May Ask Why. Well When I Search All I See Is Dirt But I Keep On Searching Like A Burning Thirst Screaming For Water. I Ponder On My Footsteps, A Dumb Sheep Weak & Simple Minded As I Grace On …
The Disease of the Century – Amber Daniel
Rowlo the Bowlo, puddeling of the pipe, draw back your afternoon delight It’s alright, I’ll rot out your teeth, and I’ll crater your face Nothing will ever satisfy you the same Or take my place You think you have me beat ha! Addiction is a disease This sickness makes you weak at the knees Your …
Untitled – Crystal Jennings
Sittin’ here starin’ out the window of my prison cell Tryin’ 2 figure where I went wrong + turned my life to a livin’ hell I think back + I see it all just a little 2 clearly The day the state ripped my kids out my arms kickin’ + screamin’ My worst fear has …
Untitled – Shannon Pride
Have you been shot & stabbed? Check, Robbed & Stole alot Check. Do you sell drugs? And have kids who miss their father? And a father that never bothered? Check, check, check The slots we fill stay refilled No lack for comfort – the right sign it seems to fit toe to heel. Devastating all …
Anywhere but here – Julie Spencer
I have in mind A wonder-filled place. Unsurpassed By the whole human race. Magical dreams Sprout out your wishes. Places to eat That requires no dishes. Barbeque chicken, rotisserie. Eating alone, with my friend, Cherie. A queen-sized bed where we both sleep Dance lesson where I don’t miss a beat. I have a studio, an …
Between Us – O.G. Blue
May the love between us be strong May the trust between us be whole And may the words between us be true May our eyes see one another And may our souls hold one another And may our wants and desires be as one And may the happiness we accumulate all through life separate us …
Broken Windows and the Persistence of Hope – Obie Weathers
Hey, Everybody– – I hope you all are doing good. Staying safe out there and taking care of your loved ones. I’m good. The weather is swinging wildly from hot to cold to hot– –and it messes with my mood. So I’m taking it easy today. It’s my sister’s birthday, and I …
Continue reading Broken Windows and the Persistence of Hope – Obie Weathers
Crushed By The System – Troy Glover
We fought the fight for freedom Stood strong to support equal rights generously given for next generations all lost when we let go the light. Further our fathers have faded So sons now stand in quicksand growing in the gutter of gall losing their lives to the land. Wise women our wives and daughters Sown …
Evanescence – SPIN
Isolation. Desolation. Abandonment. Ostracism. Left, to die on the vine. These are just some of the feelings prison evokes. It’s a dark and depressing place, with plenty of reasons to retreat to the solitude of our cells and to walk around like zombies with our heads hung low in silent resignation. But it doesn’t have …
Guiding Light – Aaron Kinzer
America!, Awaken from your dreams deferred and hearken to your hopes preferred. Despite your curtains close live up to your ideas chose. For the people ponder daily, bashful but bravely trudging along a path paved by wounded warriors ensconced in tombs engraved and souls previously saved. Reach, America!, out of the puddles of mud but …
I Will Not Let Go – Troy Glover
You may be lost you may be broken You may be destitute you may be disenfranchised I will not …
In Essence – Kenny Jacobs
In essence I’ll never quit or break my stride, Until the flood gates open and resistance is futility denied The powers that be will swallow their pride and brace for impact, watching as the tide begin to rise and walls of opposition collapse, it’s a new day in fact Jewels synonymous with diamonds are considered …
Make Examples, Not Excuses – Anthony Billings
There’s been an issue that I have been wanting to talk about for a long time now. It is becoming rampant and I’m convinced that it’s contagious. I’m going to call it the “Give Me Complex.” Let me give you an example. Just the other day I was talking to someone who was interested in …
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On Discovering His Truth – Ben Wilkins
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of the word truth begins in part: truth/trüth/noun/ 1: TRUTHFULNESS, HONESTY 2: the real state of things: FACT 3: the body of real events or facts: ACTUALITY Consider for a long moment, what does the word truth mean to you? Epiphany usually strikes when least expected and this time was no …
Regret – Ally Bear
Do I have any? What a question to ask. Regret… Naturally I do. We ALL do. To say otherwise would be a lie. To look back, I lived in the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s. Is it healthy? NO! You can’t change the past, the things you wish you could change, fix… If only it were that …
The Gift – Brittian Koty Osorio
I’ve been told nothing is promised but that’s not exactly right. 2 days are guaranteed, the day we’re born and the day we die. Between these 2 days is the time we call life. All the good, the bad, hopes and dreams, long story short, sunny days and cold nights. Over the years we accumulate …
A Prairie Dog’s Tale – Christopher Meredith
Volume 1, Number 1 A Short Story by: Christopher Meredith The evening started out with little concern for misfortune, but he was convinced it would not endure. A short time later his instinct rang true. While on his watch, the ground above Wags and all around him started to shake and convulse with an intensity …
Evenings of Immortality – Rachel Peterson
To the nights of existential bliss when the universe is at your fingertips & the beyond speaks to your soul. Pain is Relieved through the breath of the trees & the stars dance in glitter & gold.
On Paper Cranes – Obie Weathers
On Paper Cranes
POETRY POETRY – Spoon Jackson
A brush dipping into a hot spring Painting pictures Of the unconscious Bringing forth ancient elixir Colled waters, golden words, Words beyond thoughts once dormant In their aboriginal form Now spawning in the caverns and canyons Of the Psyche Poetry, poetry, the robust tail of memory With a heavy mane. Ms. Dickinson sat alone in …
