Scott Lawrie When the young Scottish lad Scott J. Lawrie was introduced to the country’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, it was the beginning of his fondness for poetry. His introduction to American poetry came through the Beat movement. However, his connection to San Quentin came through an obscure poet who did time here—the late Ed “Foots” Lipman. After Lawrie researched Lipman’s works, he published Only By Flashlight and sent a copy to Zoe Mullery, who holds a weekly creative writ- ing class at San Quentin. Only By Flashlight was … [Read more...] about Scott J. Lawrie’s poetry was inspired by an ex-con poet
poetry
“The Fence of Time”
If time was created to magically fly. Would it take me soaring into the blue sky? Beyond to a place I can never see, Somewhere conscious and free, outside of me. My being desires to fly, to be un-hid, Resuming life as the innocent Kid. Instead, there’s a steel Fence holding reality hidden, Where true emotions are lost or forbidden. The vicissitude in life began due to a forlorn War. Causing only the mind to transcend past the steel door. With Time, I linger thru the effects of my life, Trying to survive the imposed strife. While being impeached … [Read more...] about “The Fence of Time”
“VIETNAM WILLIE”
As a child Vietnam Willie always knew, His dream adventuring to see the world a view He wanted the freedom to travel around, Not knowing what in life may be found. Vietnam Willie’s younger years, so lonely to do Friends and family had other cares to respond to. Imagining fantasies for fun as a secluded kid, The green forest Vietnam Willie often ran and hid. Vietnam Willie ventured into the Military Force, Be sought out his new green forest Joining the Vietnam War while Tet was still hot, A land of trees and sand, God had forget. It poured rain … [Read more...] about “VIETNAM WILLIE”
“I Believe”
In comparison to the many legs of a Centipede. Hurriedly, moving in unison like a stampede. I travel thru life, trying to accomplish what I need While opposed to empowering my depression demons to feed. I do not covet my soul to continue to bleed, The realization dawned that would not succeed. Dejectedly, my soul will never be freed. I yearn for someone to directly intercede. Humanely taking up the lead, sowing a productive seed. Helplessly, I concede, there is no one to impede, Instead, they permit the demon seed to grow like a weed. I beg and … [Read more...] about “I Believe”
“The American soldier standing guard at Christmas”
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed around the room and cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow feel, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn’t … [Read more...] about “The American soldier standing guard at Christmas”
“STARTLED”
When you jump in the night, You’ve been startled with fright. Must have been scenes from the past, The vision will never be the last. When you cry out in the night, You’ve been startled with fright. You know the reason, not hearing a sound, Like trees falling in the forest, no one around. When you toss n turn, sweat in the night, You’ve been startled with fright. Where’s the peace of abundant sleep? You fill there’s no relief down deep. When there’s a flash in the night, You’ve been startled with fright. Without life, the vision is at end, The … [Read more...] about “STARTLED”
Unfretted about Cellist Zuill Bailey
Armed with horsehair bow, The cellist reaches down through, Vertical teachings, Through horizontal stratagem, Discovering subtle, powerful sound itself, Spreading life in its natural state, Floating in songs disciplines compiled, Colliding far above the, Serpent’s judgment, Above digital, electric lies, Acoustical sound resonates across time, Penetrates false bravado, Like the point of a dagger, Buried to its hilt and twisted, Acoustic sound binds us all together, Fuses us into one culture, Indifference and prejudice shudder, Confused, They try … [Read more...] about Unfretted about Cellist Zuill Bailey
SQ Death Row holds poetry slam
A poetry slam helped 10 condemned men talk about the challenges they face living on San Quentin’s Death Row. They presented poems to prison administrators and custody staff on Sept. 7 and 14. There is a stereotype that “we have no redeeming qualities,” said Clifton Perry, 46. “Although a jury thought this, I will never accept that I have no redeeming qualities. I know we are inmates condemned to death, but we’re not lying down. We’re still trying to do something good with our lives.” Perry was 26 when he committed the offense that got him … [Read more...] about SQ Death Row holds poetry slam