From the very beginning of Prisoner Express, we have received poetry from prisoners. As we received more submissions we took the hint and began to feature prisoner poems in our newsletter. With the help of volunteers we have staged a number of public readings of prisoner poems, as well as conducted poetry contests for prisoners who wish to participate. Poetry provides a means where the prisoners we work with can freely express themselves. We invite you to read their writings and step into their world.
Click here to see the anthologies, and see recent posts below.
This is from the chapbook Mentally Confined, written by James Gondek. Mr. Gondek resides in Michigan. Many, many of these chapbooks touched on issues of mental illness and treatment. Read this for the insight, where the personal story turns into a universal truth. Facing my Thoughts Every single night I drop these same tears…
This is excerpted from the chapbook Maybe, written by J. LeBlanc. Mr. LeBlanc resides in California. Mr. LeBlanc starts out with a bang: I was born in an 82 year old lady’s living room, a tongue-tied bastard and an underdog against life itself. Wow. When they say “you need a first line to grab the…
This is excerpted from Inspired, written by Derick LeCompte. Mr. LeCompte resides in at the South Woods State Prison in New Jersey. I like the shape and movement; it’s a very visceral moment. At A Time Moments flash by grazing skin like the wind …
Another poem from Secret Indictments, written by Robert Andrew Bartlett Sr. Mr. Bartlett resides in North Carolina. Rarely has so much been said in so few words. Even the blank lines on the page speak. Pamela’s Query A woman screaming “Why do you act like children?” Three preschoolers cry.
The poem above, Dead End, is what we call a “place poem”. Places which were special in people’s lives serve as very evocative prompts. Note how we get so much of the poet’s story from the details described in the poem. These are the prompts which were provided in the assignment: Chapbooks must have…
This is a poem from Secret Indictments, written by Robert Andrew Bartlett Sr. Mr. Bartlett resides in North Carolina. He writes about his ex- and his experience with the courts. I’m not a fact checker: I’m a poet. It’s a compelling story, beautifully written. This is his truth. Dead End Turn left at the ranch…
Another poem from Requiem for the Latent and Lamented Soul, written by Timothy D Raddatz. Mr. Raddatz resides in Minnesota. I love the word play. I read this several times; it gets better. Angels and Demons Angels dance and sing while they play gleefully. Demons twist and writhe at the thought. Angels cry and weep…
This is the beginning of the opening poem from Requiem for the Latent and Lamented Soul, written by Timothy D Raddatz. Mr. Raddatz resides in Minnesota. The title of the collection is very descriptive of what was found inside. The movement and the intensity here demand attention. Wheel of Lost Running river Running wheel Wheel…
I promised to share some of the poems we received as part of the chapbook project. This is the opening poem from Take Pleasure from Pain, written by Andre D Underwood. Mr. Underwood resides at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Florida. He sent a very real, insightful collection starting with his first love. Kalifornia…
This edition of the Prisoner Express Poetry Anthology stands alone, as all of the entries were received during the pandemic. Those of us on the outside have a better understanding of the effects of isolation on our well-being. In prisons everything shut down and prisoners often watched the virus spread in their ranks. Many suffered,…
Programs
Current & Past Poetry Anthologies from Prisoner Express
Here's some of the past anthologies we've printed and mailed to prisoners enrolled in our poetry programs. All of these anthologies are available for download and printing (see our copyright statement below) – simply click the PDF you'd like to download.
Terms of Use & Copyright:
All of the work collected and available in this archive is owned by, and all rights reserved, to the author. If you would like to use, distribute, or change any of the work presented in this archive you must have explicit permission from the author.
Please notify us if you would like assistance contacting any of the authors featured in the Prisoner Express Archive.