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Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Subject: PRISONS & PRISONERS Matches Found: 224 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` A CAGED BIRD, by SARAH ORNE JEWETT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: High at the window in her cage Last Line: And understand our wistful speech! Subject(s): Birdcages; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts A GOOD KNIGHT IN PRISON, by WILLIAM MORRIS (1834-1896) Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This castle where I dwell, it stands Last Line: Because to-day we have been wed. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners A HANGING, ZOMBA CENTRAL PRISON, by FRANK MKALAWILE CHIPASULA Poet's Biography First Line: His pendulous body tolled Subject(s): Capital Punishment; Police States; Prisons & Prisoners; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Convicts A LETTER FROM PRISON, by NAZIM HIKMET Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My love, let me share Alternate Author Name(s): Ran, Nazim Hikmet Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts A LIFE TERM, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She was false, and he was true, Last Line: Of the violet. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Kisses; Life; Murder; Prisons & Prisoners A PRISON DAYBREAK, by FAIZ AHMED FAIZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Night wasn't over / when the moon stood beside my bed Last Line: Into each other's arms Alternate Author Name(s): Faiz, Faiz Ahmad Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts A PRISON EVENING, by FAIZ AHMED FAIZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Each star a rung Last Line: If just one moment anywhere on this earth Alternate Author Name(s): Faiz, Faiz Ahmad Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts A RUIN, by JANE BARLOW Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Mirk on clear skies, swept afar Last Line: Tastes wonder on wonder. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts A SATYR, by ELIZABETH TIPPER Poem Text First Line: As dungeons are for criminals prepared Last Line: Make me true christian, tho' no satyrist. Subject(s): Life; Prisons & Prisoners; Sin; Women A SONG OF SURVIVAL, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I worked as a licensed plumber, had my own tools Last Line: And the seasrch led me to my first cell in prison Subject(s): Plumbers; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts A SORROWFUL SIGH OF A PRISONER, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lord, comest thou to me Last Line: The place to lay thy head! Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): God; Grief; Hearts; Prisons & Prisoners; Sorrow; Sadness A SOUL IN PRISON, by AUGUSTA DAVIES WEBSTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Answered a score of times.' oh, looked-for / teacher Last Line: A readable shrewd book; 'twill win the critics. Alternate Author Name(s): Home, Cecil; Webster, Mrs. Julia Augusta Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Prisons & Prisoners A TEAMSTER'S FAREWELL, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good-by now to the streets and the clash of wheels and Last Line: O god, there's noises I'm going to be hungry for. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts A WASP WOMAN VISITS A BLACK JUNKIE IN PRISON, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After explanations and regulations, he Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Prisons & Prisoners; Social Classes; Drunkards; Alcohol Abuse; Convicts; Caste ALCATRAZ, by ROBERTA BALFOUR Poem Text First Line: Ceaseless the searchlight scans the restless seas Last Line: Or stem the rips small boats still dread to ride? Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Justice; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts ALCATRAZ, by SHARON OLDS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was a girl, I knew I was a man Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Children; Discipline; Convicts; Childhood ALEXANDER YPSILANTI, by KARL WILHELM MULLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Alexander ypsilanti sat in muncac's lofty tower Last Line: From the window, and in moonlight spreads his pinions to the skies. Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Wilhelm Subject(s): Hungary; Prisons & Prisoners; Ypsilantis, Alexandros (1792-1828); Ypsilanti, Alexander AN ESSAY ON DEATH AND A PRISON, by HENRY KING (1592-1669) Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A prison is in all things like a grave Last Line: Two prisons quits, the body and the jail. Subject(s): Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Dead, The; Convicts AN EVENING IN PRISON, by FAIZ AHMED FAIZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From intricate clustera of stars Last Line: Snuff out the moon! Alternate Author Name(s): Faiz, Faiz Ahmad Subject(s): Human Rights; Love - Loss Of; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts AN ODE ON THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BASTILE, by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heard'st thou yon universal cry Last Line: First ever of the first and freest of the free! Subject(s): Bastille (paris); French Revolution (1789); Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts AN OFFICERS' PRISON CAMP SEEN FROM A TROOP-TRAIN, by RANDALL JARRELL Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is some school, brick, green, a sleepy hill Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; World War Ii; Convicts; Second World War AN OLD PAIN, by FRANCIS LEDWIDGE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What old, old pain is this that bleeds anew? Last Line: And all we learn but shows we know the less Subject(s): Pain; Prisons & Prisoners; Suffering; Misery; Convicts ANCESTOR, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a time when they were afraid of him Last Line: Out of the long felt nights and days of yesterday Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts ARIEL AND CALIBAN, by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: So - prospero is gone - and I am free Last Line: "I dreamed and fancied. He awoke and saw!" Subject(s): Islands; Life; Plays & Playwrights ; Prisons & Prisoners; Supernatural; Dramatists; Convicts BALLAD OF THE MONKLAND COTTAR, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It's no a tale o' luve I sing Last Line: Was never ance forgot. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Fathers; Livingstone, David (1813-1873); Marriage; Prisons & Prisoners; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Convicts BEYOND, by ALLAN MUNIER Poem Text First Line: Beyond the prison cell Last Line: In peace without you? Subject(s): Absence; Grief; Hunger; Prisons & Prisoners; Solitude; Separation; Isolation; Sorrow; Sadness; Loneliness BEYOND THE BARS, by GEORGE E. BOWEN Poem Text First Line: Within my cell are singing sounds - a robin's call, afar Last Line: "and still I muse, in chains that chafe: ""will there be prisons then?" Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Tyranny & Tyrants; Convicts; Dictators BOTHWELL: PART 1, by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cold - cold! The wind howls fierce without Last Line: That rise to madden me! Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin) Subject(s): Bothwell, Scotland; Courts & Courtiers; Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Convicts BOTHWELL: PART 2, by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sun is bright, the day is warm Last Line: Above the kirk-of-field. Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin) Subject(s): Bothwell, Scotland; Courts & Courtiers; Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Convicts BOTHWELL: PART 3, by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That gaoler hath a savage look Last Line: The felon now for evermore!' Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin) Subject(s): Bothwell, Scotland; Courts & Courtiers; Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Convicts BOTHWELL: PART 4, by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What is a woman's weakest mood? Last Line: Wilt thou do this?' 'your hand -- I will!' Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin) Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Courts & Courtiers; Death; Bothwell, Scotland; Courts & Courtiers; Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Convicts BOTHWELL: PART 5, by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ascension morn! I hear the bells Last Line: The sword that darnley wore. Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin) Subject(s): Ascension Day; Bothwell, Scotland; Courts & Courtiers; Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Convicts BOTHWELL: PART 6, by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O that I were a mountaineer Last Line: Come, death; and I will welcome thee! Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin) Subject(s): Bothwell, Scotland; Courts & Courtiers; Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Convicts BREAKING OPEN, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I come into the room. The room stands waiting Last Line: "to discover the country of our waking Subject(s): Civil Rights Movement; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Prisons & Prisoners; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975; Shoah; Judaism BROKEN LINE, by ANDRE BRETON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We the dry bread and water in the prisons of the sky Last Line: The belly of our words is golden tonight and naught any longer is in vain. Subject(s): Boats; Mourning; Prisons & Prisoners; Water; Bereavement; Convicts BY MY OWN SWEAT, by ALEX R. SCHMIDT Poem Text First Line: I'm a sober polyp in a coral prison Last Line: Like the polyp, I can never leave my cell. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners CANZONE, WRITTEN IN PRISON, by SILVIO PELLICO Poem Text First Line: The love of song what can impart Last Line: And charm their grief away! Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Spielberg (castle), Austria CAPTIVE KNIGHT, by MIKHAIL YUREVICH LERMONTOV Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Silent I sit by the prison's high window Last Line: Then my cold face from this visor uncloaking. Alternate Author Name(s): Lermontov, Mikhail Yuryevich Subject(s): Animals; Fights; Horses; Knights & Knighthood; Prisons & Prisoners; Swords; Convicts CARP POEM, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After I have parked below the spray paint caked in the granite Last Line: Packed so close they might have eaten each other had there been nothing else to eat Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; African Americans; Youth; Poetry & Poets; Convicts; Negroes; American Blacks CENTRAL PRISON, by MINNIE BRUCE PRATT Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A sign passed on her way to work Last Line: So she could eat a berry and fly away, gone home Subject(s): Capital Punishment; Women; Prisons & Prisoners CONTRAST, by CHARLES HENRY MACKINTOSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A great rose garden, redolent of bloom Last Line: But that it blooms inside a prison wall. Subject(s): Flowers; Prisons & Prisoners; Roses CONTRASTS, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Strange, that we creatures of the petty ways Last Line: In mien or gesture what that memory is. Subject(s): God; Memory; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts CONVICTION, by N. R. A. BECKER Poem Text First Line: He is not dead, this friend Last Line: He is not dead. Subject(s): Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Dead, The; Convicts CRUX VIA CAELORUM: 4, by PATRICK CAREY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In a dark cave below Last Line: Tempt me, these thoughts will then my mind uphold. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Spiritual Life DIGGER, by LLOYD SCHWARTZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Would you believe I went to college? Yeah, Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Drugs & Drug Abuse; Prisons & Prisoners; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons; Narcotics; Opium; Cocaine; Crack; Heroin; Convicts DOWN IN THE VALLEY, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "down in the valley, valley so low" Last Line: "birmingham in jail, love, birmingham jail, / and back it in care of the birmingham jail" Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners ELEGY IN NEWGATE, by WILLIAM COBBETT Poem Text First Line: The curfew tolls the hour of locking up Last Line: And leaves the cell to treason and to me. Subject(s): Cobbett, William (1763-1835); Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts EPITAPH FOR HIMSELF, by EDOUARD JOACHIM CORBIERE Poem Text First Line: Of many things adulterate Last Line: He lived while waiting but to die. Alternate Author Name(s): Corbiere, Tristan Subject(s): Epitaphs; Imagination; Prisons & Prisoners; Fancy; Convicts FAREWELL, by JOHN CLARE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Farewell to the bushy clump close to the river Last Line: To the miller himsel', and his three bonny daughters. Subject(s): Mills & Millers; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts FERNS IN A WINDOW, by PEARL HOBSON Poem Text First Line: Primitive children of the woods Last Line: Dreams only are lifted the bars. Subject(s): Freedom; Prisons & Prisoners; Windows; Liberty; Convicts FOR FRECKLED-FACED GERALD, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Now you take ol rufus. He beat drums Subject(s): African Americans; Prisons & Prisoners; Youth; Negroes; American Blacks; Convicts FRAGRANT HANDS, by FAIZ AHMED FAIZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A strange arrangement to comfort the heart Last Line: Except love, but only when it begins Alternate Author Name(s): Faiz, Faiz Ahmad Subject(s): Flowers; Hafez (1326-1390); Prisons & Prisoners; Smells; Hafiz (1326-139); Convicts; Odors; Aromas; Fragrances FUGITIVE, by RALPH W. HUNTER Poem Text First Line: Lend me no compassion Last Line: Is large enough for dreams. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts FUROR BELLICUS, by ANNE WALDMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The cobray m-11 and the tec-9 along with their relatives and clones Subject(s): Cold War; Crime & Criminals; Military; Prisons & Prisoners HAIKU: 1, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Eastern guard tower Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts HAIKU: 3, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Morning sun slants cell. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts HARD ROCK RETURNS TO PRISON FROM THE HOSPITAL FOR THE CRIMINAL INSANE, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Hard rock / was / 'known not to take no shit Subject(s): African Americans; Insanity; Korean War, 1950-1953; Prisons & Prisoners; Surgery; Negroes; American Blacks; Madness; Mental Illness; Convicts HERA, HUNG FROM THE SKY, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hang by my heels from the sky Last Line: I dangle, drowned in fire. Subject(s): Mythology - Classical; Prisons & Prisoners; Women; Women's Rights; Convicts; Feminism HOW THE POET FOR AN HOUR WAS KING, by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Once in a garden space, saadi saith Last Line: "time is his prophet for the souls who wait." Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Loss; Prisons & Prisoners HOW WE CARRY OURSELVES, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the broken reed in this deathly organ Last Line: Turning yourself on. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts HULKS, by ETHELYN MILLER HARTWICH Poem Text First Line: I saw forbidding walls Last Line: Cast hulks itself had wrecked. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts I AM SURE OF IT, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Just after supper sheets were passed out Last Line: Close or far away, it doesn't matter, I am sure of it Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts I KNOW AN AGED MAN CONSTRAINED TO DWELL, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: That friendship lasts though fellowship is broken! Subject(s): Old Age; Poverty; Robins; Prisons & Prisoners IMPRISONED, by MARY FARRIES Poem Text First Line: A nation's mandate reads, 'he must atone Last Line: Henceforth he has a number ... Not a name. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts IN APRIL ONCE, by WILLIAM ALEXANDER PERCY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Guido: thou are the knightliest jailer that ever stood Last Line: Voice of the madman. Son of david, have mercy on us! Subject(s): April; Churches; Florence, Italy; God; Plays & Playwrights; Popes; Prisons & Prisoners; Cathedrals; Papacy IN EXCELSIS, 1889, by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh how delectable it is to be Last Line: More to be magnified, more dread, more sweet. Subject(s): Bastille (paris); France; Love; Nature; Prisons & Prisoners; Sea; Singing & Singers; Sound; Ocean IN PRISON, by MAY LOUISE RILEY SMITH Poem Text First Line: God pity the wretched prisoners Last Line: May wipe their guilt away. Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Mary Louise Riley Subject(s): Pity; Prisons & Prisoners; Religion; Theology IN PRISON [AT LINN] (WRITTEN WHEN A PRISONER DURING CROMWELL'S REVOLT), by ROGER L'ESTRANGE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Beat on, proud billows; boreas blow Last Line: Disgrace to rebels, glory to my king. Variant Title(s): Loyalty Confined;mr. Le Strange His Verses Subject(s): Charles I, King Of England (1600-1649); Cromwell, Oliver (1599-1658); L'estrange, Sir Roger (1616-1704); Prisons & Prisoners; Tower Of London; Convicts IN THE PLACE DE LA BASTILLE, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: On a clear day in paris, walking where Last Line: The tragic tumbrils, hark! Go rumbling by! Subject(s): Bastille (paris); Clouds; Paris, France; Prisons & Prisoners; Storms; Convicts IN THE PRISON PEN (1864), by HERMAN MELVILLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listless he eyes the palisades Last Line: Dead in his meagreness. Subject(s): American Civil War; Prisons & Prisoners; U.s. - History IN VINCULIS; SONNETS WRITTEN IN AN IRISH PRISON: A CONVENT WITHOUT GOD, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A prison is a convent without god Last Line: Wisdom shall preach to thee of life and death. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts IN VINCULIS; SONNETS WRITTEN IN AN IRISH PRISON: A DREAM OF GOOD, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To do some little good before I die Last Line: Scorned by the proud but with the poor at peace. Subject(s): Hope; Prisons & Prisoners; Time; Optimism; Convicts IN VINCULIS; SONNETS WRITTEN IN AN IRISH PRISON: A LESSON IN HUMILITY, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tis time, my soul, thou shouldst be purged of pride Last Line: And leave thee if thou couldst, to face men's frown! Subject(s): Humility; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts IN VINCULIS; SONNETS WRITTEN IN AN IRISH PRISON: CONDEMNED, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From caiphas to pilate I was sent Last Line: Kneeling; then turn to sleep, dreams trouble not. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts IN VINCULIS; SONNETS WRITTEN IN AN IRISH PRISON: FAREWELL DARK, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Farewell, dark gaol. You hold some better hearts Last Line: Their tools of death and darings manifold. Subject(s): Farewell; Prisons & Prisoners; Parting; Convicts IN VINCULIS; SONNETS WRITTEN IN AN IRISH PRISON: HONOUR DISHONOURED, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Honoured I lived e'erwhile with honoured men Last Line: Fences our weakness from the wolves of old! Subject(s): Dishonor; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts IN VINCULIS; SONNETS WRITTEN IN AN IRISH PRISON: MITIGATIONS, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My prison has its pleasures. Every day Last Line: Till the stars rise, and night begins anew. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts IN VINCULIS; SONNETS WRITTEN IN AN IRISH PRISON: THE COURT OF PENANCE, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Behold the court of penance. Four gaunt walls Last Line: And the free firmament thy handiwork. Subject(s): Penance; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts INSCRIPTION FOR THE APARTMENT [OR PRISON] IN CHEPSTOW CASTLE, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For thirty years, secluded from mankind / here marten lingered Last Line: When christ shall come, and all things be fulfill'd! Subject(s): Marten, Henry; Prisons & Prisoners; Regicide INSCRIPTION FOR THE DOOR OF [BROWNRIGG'S] CELL IN NEWGATE, by GEORGE CANNING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: For one long term, or e'er her trial came / here brownrigg linger'd Last Line: When france shall reign, and laws be all repealed! Variant Title(s): Imitation Of Southey Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Southey, Robert (1774-1843); Convicts IT STARTED, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A little state-funded barrack Last Line: Of our meeting, our friendship Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts JERRY, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Six years I worked in a knitting mill at a machine Subject(s): Women - Abused; Marriage; Murder; Prisons & Prisoners; Wife Beating; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Convicts JULIA TUTWILER STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN, by ANDREW HUDGINS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: On the prison's tramped-hard alabama clay Last Line: Then race, hand in hand, for shelter, laughing Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Women; Convicts KING RICHARD'S LAMENT, by RICHARD COEUR DE LION Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: No captive knight, whom chains confine Last Line: Who strikes a monarch in his chains. Alternate Author Name(s): Richard The Lion-hearted; Richard I Of England Subject(s): Greifenstein Castle, Austria; Prisons & Prisoners KNIFE AT THE JUGULAR, by ARTHUR SZE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sentenced to two consecutive Last Line: May be terrors of the earth. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners LETTERS FROM A MAN IN SOLITARY, by NAZIM HIKMET Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: I carved your name on my watchband Alternate Author Name(s): Ran, Nazim Hikmet Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts LIKE AN ANIMAL, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Behind the smooth texture Last Line: Behind these prison walls Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts LOST AT SEA, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All pull together now Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Abuse; Convicts MANIFEST DESTINY, by JORIE GRAHAM Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Northbound, on the way to the station, through the narrow rutted Subject(s): Rome, Italy; Prisons & Prisoners; Language; Reality; Convicts; Words; Vocabulary MATERIALS OF A STORY, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I met a friend of mine the other day Last Line: At the street crossing. I went on up town. Alternate Author Name(s): Howells, W. D. Subject(s): Clergy; Prisons & Prisoners; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Convicts MEMORIES OF WEST STREET AND LEPKE, by ROBERT LOWELL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Only teaching on tuesdays, book-worming Variant Title(s): Life Studies: Memories Of West Street And Lepke Subject(s): Boston; Conscientious Objectors; Lepke, Louis (1897-1944); Prisons & Prisoners; World War Ii; Convicts; Second World War MENTAL MOMMY, by LIAM RECTOR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Home from school at six years old, first grade, Subject(s): Mothers; Coming Of Age; Prisons & Prisoners; Insanity; Hospitals; Convicts; Madness; Mental Illness MICHIGAN SAND DUNES (A HOKKU), by HARRIET A. JENNEY Poem Text First Line: Tameless shifting dunes Last Line: Prison their captors. Subject(s): Michigan; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts MOTHER MOON, by HETTIE JONES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mother moon surfs the sky Last Line: We too / we change Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Women; Teaching & Teachers NEVER TOO LATE: FRANCESCO'S ODE, by ROBERT GREENE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When I look about the place Last Line: "nothing grief-full grows from love." Subject(s): Grief; Love - Complaints; Man-woman Relationships; Prisons & Prisoners; Sorrow; Sadness; Male-female Relations; Convicts NEVER TOO LATE: ISABEL'S SONNET, THAT SHE MADE IN PRISON, by ROBERT GREENE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: No storm so sharp to rent the little reed Last Line: And god makes open what the world doth blind. Subject(s): Lies; Prisons & Prisoners; Reeds; Truth; Convicts NEW PRISON, by CHARLES COTTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You squires o' th' shade, that love to tread Last Line: But that the vile tobacco chokes me. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts NOON IN THE LINE OUTSIDE, by JEAN VALENTINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The pretty woman with a prisoner number, cdcp ****, written in ballpoint on the palm of her hand Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts NOT ALWAYS: 2, by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There were long days when there was nothing said Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Silence; Solitude; Loneliness OF A BIRD-CAGE, by CAROLINE LINDSAY Poem Text First Line: A tiny prison built by prisoned hands Last Line: Bend down the latch, and firmly bolt the door! Alternate Author Name(s): Fitzroy, Caroline Subject(s): Birdcages; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts ON A DRAWING OF THE CRUCIFIXION STILL VISIBLE ON A DUNGEON WALL, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Where, lake reflected, chillon's turrets shine Last Line: Hope pointed heavenward to his home above. Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E. Subject(s): Crucifixion; Drawing; Hope; Jesus Christ; Prisons & Prisoners; Jesus Christ - Crucifixion; Optimism; Convicts ON A HIGHWAY EAST OF SELMA, ALABAMA; JULY 1965, by GREGORY ORR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As the sheriff remarked: I had no business being there. He was Last Line: And still he refuses to swallow. Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi; Prisons & Prisoners; Racism; Selma, Alabama; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry ON A PRINTER'S BEING SENT TO NEWGATE, by JONATHAN SWIFT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Better we all were in our graves Last Line: And, like domitian, leap at flies. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners ORGAN SONGS: THE OLD CASTLE, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The brother knew well the castle old Last Line: Like the diamond shine! Subject(s): Brothers; Castles; Prisons & Prisoners; Half-brothers PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE MEDUSA, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Column six, page thirty-six Last Line: With this simpleton love Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Crime & Criminals; Guilt PLACE DE LA BASTILLE, PARIS, by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How dear the sky has been above this place! Last Line: That all might stand here now and own thy name. Alternate Author Name(s): Rossetti, Gabriel Charles Dante Subject(s): Bastille (paris); Prisons & Prisoners PRISON, by RALPH W. HUNTER Poem Text First Line: I am fortunate Last Line: By prison architects. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts PRISON ETCHING, by RALPH W. HUNTER Poem Text First Line: Numbered his back, and shaven his head Last Line: With never a hope -- save that all men die. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts PRISON SONG, by ALAN DUGAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The skin ripples over my body like moon-wooed water Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts PRISON SONG, by WILLIAM ALEXANDER PERCY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Beat, beat, wings of my heart Last Line: For between -- the iron bars. Subject(s): Birds; Hearts; Prisons & Prisoners; Singing & Singers PRISONED IN WINDSOR, HE RECOUNTETH HIS PLEASURE THERE PASSED, by HENRY HOWARD Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So cruel prison how could betide, alas Last Line: To banish the less, I find my chief relief. Alternate Author Name(s): Surrey, Earl Of Variant Title(s): In Windsor Castle Subject(s): Henry Vii, King Of England (1457-1509); Prisons & Prisoners; Windsor Castle; Fitzroy, Henry, Duke Of Richmond; Tudor, Henry; Convicts PRISONER, by JOSEPH O'CONNOR Poem Text First Line: In a cage of iron and stone Last Line: To pelt with stones. Subject(s): Animals; Bears; Prisons & Prisoners; Zoos PRISONERS, by ANNA BUNSTON DE BARY Poem Text First Line: Fate, the gaoler, flung us down together Last Line: In webs of sympathy. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts PRISONERS, by CHARLES WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Prisoners, where'er in bitter cells and small Last Line: On you inflicts what I and all should bear. Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Prisons & Prisoners PRISONERS' EVENING SERVICE; SCENE OF FRENCH REVOLUTION, by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What was our doom, my father? -- in thine arms Last Line: In life, in death, we yield thee boundless trust! Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea Subject(s): French Revolution (1789); Prisons & Prisoners; Public Worship; Convicts; Church Attendance RELIGIO NOVISSIMA, by AUBREY THOMAS DE VERE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There is an order by a northern sea Last Line: And undispensed sustain its discipline! Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Discipline; Law & Lawyers; Order; Prisons & Prisoners; Attorneys; Convicts ROMANCERO: BOOK 1. HISTORIES: KING RICHARD, by HEINRICH HEINE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Through the silent glades of the forest there springs Last Line: And his spurs to his proud horse gives he. Subject(s): Forests; Prisons & Prisoners; Richard I, King Of England (1157-1199); Woods; Convicts ROSE DOLORES, by ISABEL ECCLESTONE MACKAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The moan of rose dolores, she made Last Line: "I know whose kiss was in the wind—o jailer, set me free!" Subject(s): Grief; Prisons & Prisoners; Women - Captives; Sorrow; Sadness SECULAR GAMES, by RICHARD HOWARD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Levin, on his way to kitty's love Last Line: But unlike god in heaven, come and go Alternate Author Name(s): Howard, Joseph Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts SERVING TIME, by CHARLES SIMIC Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Another dreary day in time's invisible Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Time; Convicts SHACKLED, by AIMEE PAUL THOMAS Poem Text First Line: A captor and a captive Last Line: God help them both to keep human! Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Freedom; Prisons & Prisoners; Liberty SHAVINGS, by GRANT HYDE CODE Poem Text First Line: Furtive as those condemned to dwell Last Line: To pace the narrow city blocks. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Youth; Convicts SLEEPING CONVICTS IN THE CELLBLOCK, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They dream the sun rising abaove carved cliffs Last Line: As it swoops out a broken window Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts SOLITARY CONFINEMENT; HAYNEVILLE, ALABAMA, 1965, by GREGORY ORR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Even as the last bars clang Last Line: In the magnolia across the moonlit road. Subject(s): Alabama; Prisons & Prisoners; Solitude; Loneliness SONG OF THE PENAL DAYS; 1720, by EDWARD WALSH Poem Text First Line: Ye dark-haired youths and elders hoary Last Line: Ma chreevin evin alga, o! Alternate Author Name(s): Walshe, Edward Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners STEEL DOORS OF PRISON, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The big compound gates close the world off Last Line: Slowly swallowing you Subject(s): Politics & Government; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts SWEET AND SOUR; A PRISON SERMON, by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis sweet to climb the mountain crest Last Line: "oftenest from his ashes!" Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE ANSEL ADAMS CARD, by ARTHUR SZE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You left a trail of bad checks in forty-six states Last Line: Against a forest, one aspen bright in the sun. Subject(s): Con Artists; Prisons & Prisoners THE ARKANSAS PRISON SYSTEM, by FRANK STANFORD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Is like a lyric poem Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Arkansas; Convicts THE ARREST (1881), by ALFRED DENNIS GODLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Come hither, terence mulligan, and sit upon the floor Last Line: The government then will let him out from black kilmainham gaol! Alternate Author Name(s): Godley, A. D. Subject(s): Ireland; Parnell, Charles Stewart (1846-1891); Prisons & Prisoners; Irish; Convicts THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL, by OSCAR WILDE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He did not wear his scarlet coat Last Line: The brave man with a sword! Alternate Author Name(s): Finga, O'flahertie Wills Subject(s): Capital Punishment; Freedom; Love; Murder; Prisons & Prisoners; Religion; Sleep; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Liberty; Convicts; Theology THE BAR, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: The saloon is sometimes called a bar Last Line: "a bar to heaven, a door to hell / whoever named it, named it well!" Subject(s): Alcohol & Alcoholics;prisons & Prisoners THE BEAU AND THE BEDLAMITE, by JOHN BYROM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A patient in bedlam that did pretty well Last Line: They'll die of themselves, if you let them alone. Subject(s): Men; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE BLOOMINGDALE PAPERS, SELECTION, by HAYDEN CARRUTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The diagnosis is / anxiety psychoneurosis Subject(s): Boredom; Prisons & Prisoners; Ennui; Convicts THE BOROUGH: LETTER 23. PRISONS, by GEORGE CRABBE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tis well - that man to all the varying states Last Line: Calls and lets in -- truth, terror, and the day! Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE BOSS OF THE ADMIRAL LYNCH, by ANDREW BARTON PATERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Did you ever hear tell of chili? I was readin' the other day Last Line: Was the man who attacked the army with the gunboat admiral lynch. Alternate Author Name(s): Paterson, 'banjo' Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Revolutions THE BRITISH PRISON-SHIP, by PHILIP FRENEAU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Amid these ills no tyrant dared refuse Last Line: And his last efforts more than damn the first. Subject(s): American Revolution; Hospitals; Navy - Great Britain; Prisons & Prisoners; Sea Battles; English Navy; Convicts; Naval Warfare THE CAGE, by JOHN BERRYMAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And the americans put pound in a cage Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, John, Jr. Subject(s): Pound, Ezra (1885-1972); Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE CAGED EAGLE, by GERTRUDE B. GUNDERSON Poem Text First Line: One thrilling sweep from out the fastness Last Line: And walked back to his cage. Subject(s): Birds; Eagles; Grief; Prisons & Prisoners; Wings; Sorrow; Sadness; Convicts THE CAPTIVE KNIGHT, by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twas a trumpet's pealing sound! Last Line: "sound! For the captive's dream of hope is past." Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE CONVICT, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The glory of evening was spread through the west Last Line: "would plant thee where yet thou might'st blossom again." Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners THE CONVICT OF CLONMELL, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: How hard is my fortune / and vain my repining Last Line: While this heart once so gay / shall be cold in clonmala Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners THE CONVICT'S RETURN, by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ye mountains and glens of fair scotland I'm with ye once again Last Line: I will bid ye all good-bye. Subject(s): Homecoming; Prisons & Prisoners; Reunions; Togetherness THE CONVICTS OF NEW SOUTH WALES: ELINOR, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once more to daily toil, once more to wear Last Line: And fit the faithful penitent for heaven. Subject(s): Australia; England; Exiles; New South Wales, Australia; Prisons & Prisoners; Repentance; English; Penitence THE CONVICTS OF NEW SOUTH WALES: FREDERIC, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where shall I turn me? Whither shall I bend Last Line: Shall heal my soul, and my last days be peace. Subject(s): Fear; New South Wales, Australia; Pain; Prayer; Prisons & Prisoners; Salvation; Suffering; Misery THE CONVICTS OF NEW SOUTH WALES: HUMPHREY AND WILLIAM, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: See'st thou not, william, that the scorching sun Last Line: And humphrey gets more good from guilt than glory. Subject(s): Comfort; England; Exiles; New South Wales, Australia; Pleasure; Prisons & Prisoners; Story-telling; English THE CONVICTS OF NEW SOUTH WALES: JOHN, SAMUEL, AND RICHARD, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tis a calm pleasant evening, the light fades away Last Line: You drink up your grog and be merry together. Subject(s): Friendship; Judgments; Memory; New South Wales, Australia; Prisons & Prisoners; Soldiers; Story-telling THE COUNTY JAIL, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men late at night cook coffee in rusty cans Last Line: Return to his bunk Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE EXILE, by CLAUDE HOUGHTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Here night is hideous with lurid flame Last Line: Amid a wizard-world of wandering stars. Subject(s): Exiles; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE FEMALE CONVICT, by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She shrank from all, and her silent mood Last Line: The convict has found in the green sea a grave. Alternate Author Name(s): L. E. L.; Maclean, Letitia Subject(s): Adversity; Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Dead, The; Convicts THE FIRST CIRCLE, by KOFI AWOONOR Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: The flat end of sorrow here Alternate Author Name(s): Awoonor-williams, George Subject(s): Grief; Prisons & Prisoners; Sorrow; Sadness; Convicts THE FRIARY AT BLOSSOM, PROLOGUE & INSTRUCTIONS, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: The pond lilies are like little executions Last Line: — 1967 Subject(s): Animals; Politics & Government; Horses; Lakes; Prisons & Prisoners; Survival; Wyatt, Sir Thomas (1503-1542); Pools; Ponds; Convicts THE GORSE, by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In dream, again within the clean, cold hell Last Line: Beneath a blinding sky, one blaze of sun. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE HUMOURS OF THE KING'S BENCH PRISON, A BALLAD, by LEONARD HOWARD Poem Text First Line: Now we're met, my brethren benchers Last Line: Benchers only live by rules. Subject(s): Law & Lawyers; Prisons & Prisoners; Attorneys; Convicts THE IDEA OF ANCESTRY, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Taped to the wall of my cell are 47 pictures: 47 black Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Fathers; Korean War, 1950-1953; Men; Prayer; Prisons & Prisoners; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity; Convicts THE IRISH CONVICT'S RETURN, by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ye mountains and glens of old ireland Last Line: And help me through coming years. Subject(s): Homecoming; Prisons & Prisoners; Togetherness THE IRISH MOTHER IN THE PENAL DAYS, by JOHN BANIM Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Now welcome, welcome, baby-boy, unto a mother's fears Last Line: Whose mother still must weep o'er him the tears I weep o'er thee! Subject(s): Mothers; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE LAY OF MR. COLT, by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And now the sacred rite was done Last Line: And died within the gaol. Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin) Subject(s): Death; Love; Prisons & Prisoners; Trials; Dead, The; Convicts THE MODERN JAIL, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We've made our jails so snug and warm Last Line: "like this they'd know, if they were vags,"" sighs richard roe." Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners THE NAVVY CHORUS, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Twas in the beginning of ages Last Line: Between a shift and a shift. Subject(s): Death; Graves; Prisons & Prisoners; Dead, The; Tombs; Tombstones THE NEW WARDEN, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He sat in the cool morning Last Line: One old convict ended up marrying the governor’s mother Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VALLEY, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: I am a prisoner in the hands of the enemy Last Line: To send and ransom me? Subject(s): China - Early Period (to 200 B.c.);prisons & Prisoners THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 19, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Parrots live in western lands Last Line: Flying up in the clouds Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Parrots; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE POEMS OF PICKUP: 37, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Drunk on delusion greed and anger Last Line: You learn to turn to yourself Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Buddhism; Chinese Literature; Greed; Pain; Prisons & Prisoners; Drunkards; Alcohol Abuse; Buddha; Buddhists; Avarice; Cupidity; Suffering; Misery; Convicts THE PRICE OF A KISS, by ELISE ESPINASSE Poem Text First Line: Where the ranges dip down to the plain at their base Last Line: Tis the smile he bought, maybe, that's still on his lips! Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Death; Escapes; Hunting; Love; Prisons & Prisoners; Dead, The; Fugitives; Hunters; Convicts THE PRISON AND THE ANGEL, by HENRY VAN DYKE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Self is the only prison that can ever bind Last Line: His way may lie through darkness, but it leads to light at last. Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus Subject(s): Angels; Prisons & Prisoners THE PRISONER, by EMILY JANE BRONTE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Still let my tyrants know, I am not doom'd to wear Last Line: "if it but herald death, the vision is divine!" Alternate Author Name(s): Bell, Ellis Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE PRISONER, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I count the dismal time by months and years Last Line: Of sunlit hills transfigured to divine. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE PRISONER, by SAMUEL VALENTINE COLE Poem Text First Line: A lump, they said, from some primeval state Last Line: Set free by him whose touch may kindle all. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Prophecy & Prophets; Socrates (470-399 B.c.); Convicts THE PRISONER, by ROSELLE MERCIER MONTGOMERY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There is a chamber in my house of life Last Line: I fear the prisoner! Subject(s): Hearts; Prisons & Prisoners THE PRISONER, by STEPHEN PHILLIPS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Backward the prison door is flung Last Line: "than seen them smile so drear!" Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners THE PRISONER, by PO CHU-YI Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tartars led in chains Last Line: "a han heart and a han tongue set in the body of a turk." Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi Subject(s): China - Tang Dynasty (618-905); Freedom; Prisons & Prisoners; Soldiers; Tatars; Liberty; Tartars THE PRISONER, by CHARLES TENNYSON TURNER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: His was a chamber in the topmost tower Last Line: Of the may dawn, that gleam'd upon his bed. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners THE PRISONER (A FRAGMENT), by EMILY JANE BRONTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the dungeon-crypts idly did I stray Last Line: A sentence, unapproved, and overruled by heaven. Alternate Author Name(s): Bell, Ellis Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE PRISONER FOR DEBT, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look on him! Through his dungeon grate Last Line: The chastening of the almighty's hand. Subject(s): Debt; Prisons & Prisoners THE PRISONER'S CHILD, by ELIZA L. SPROAT Poem Text First Line: The dull chill prison building Last Line: My wild, wild rose. Subject(s): Children; Prisons & Prisoners; Childhood THE PRISONER'S SONG, by HEINRICH HEINE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When my grandmother once had bewitch'd a poor girl Last Line: When I merrily soar hence to-morrow. Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Prisons & Prisoners; Singing & Singers; Convicts; Songs THE PRISONERS, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: That which we were forever stands between Last Line: Ere love went weeping to return no more. Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE PRISONERS, by SCUDDER MIDDLETON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She came among us and we lived Last Line: Her heart, that was the swallow. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners THE PRISONERS; CHRISTMAS, 1869, by JANE FRANCESCA WILDE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Has not vengeance been sated at last? Last Line: "how long! Oh, our lord god, how long?" Alternate Author Name(s): Speranza; Elgee, Jane Francesca; Wilde, William Robert Wills, Mrs. Subject(s): Christmas; Prisons & Prisoners; Nativity, The THE REBEL, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I must look to see where I can run Last Line: You are free. Subject(s): Escapes; Prisons & Prisoners; Revolutions; Fugitives; Convicts THE REPORT, by DICK ALLEN Poem Full Text Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The wind is blowing on the prison walls Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Conduct Of Life; Convicts THE SHEPHERD'S HUNTING: THE FIFTH EGLOGUE, by GEORGE WITHER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Philaret alexis moves Last Line: Never was any that more sweetly sung. Subject(s): Brooke, Christopher (1570-1628); Browne, William (1591-1645); Ferrar, William (17th Century); Prisons & Prisoners THE SHEPHERD'S HUNTING: THE FIRST EGLOGUE, by GEORGE WITHER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Willy leaves his flock a while Last Line: Prethee, willy, do. Subject(s): Browne, William (1591-1645); Prisons & Prisoners THE SHEPHERD'S HUNTING: THE FOURTH EGLOGUE, by GEORGE WITHER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Philaret on willy calls Last Line: If thou come next holy-day. Subject(s): Brooke, Christopher (1570-1628); Browne, William (1591-1645); Country Life; Ferrar, William (17th Century); Prisons & Prisoners THE SHEPHERD'S HUNTING: THE SECOND EGLOGUE, by GEORGE WITHER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cuddy here relates, how all Last Line: Let us depart and keepe the pointed houre. Subject(s): Brooke, Christopher (1570-1628); Browne, William (1591-1645); Prisons & Prisoners THE SHEPHERD'S HUNTING: THE THIRD EGLOGUE, by GEORGE WITHER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Philarete with his three friends Last Line: While those that wish thee ill, fret, pine, and perish. Subject(s): Brooke, Christopher (1570-1628); Browne, William (1591-1645); Ferrar, William (17th Century); Prisons & Prisoners THE SINGER IN THE PRISON, by WALT WHITMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O sight of pity, shame and dole! Last Line: O fearful thought -- a convict soul. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE STORM-PAINTER IN HIS DUNGEON, by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Midnight, and silence deep! Last Line: Answer, my spirit! -- answer, storm and night! Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea Subject(s): Paintings & Painters; Prisons & Prisoners; Storms; Convicts THE SUBCULTURE OF THE WRONGLY ACCUSED, by THYLIAS MOSS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ultimately improved by it: slant light Subject(s): Trials; Guilty; Innocence; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE SUN-THIEF, by RHYS CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A desolate mountain region. Snow and Last Line: Cold and clear in the moonlight. Unbroken silence.] Subject(s): Earth; Escapes; Fire; Grief; Hermes (mythology); Humanity; Love; Mythology; Prisons & Prisoners; Prometheus; Religion; Sun; Zeus; World; Fugitives; Sorrow; Sadness; Convicts; Theology THE TORTURE-CHAMBER AT RATISBON, by WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Down the broad, imperial danube Last Line: Of our better, purer day! Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Torture; Convicts THE TWO DOMES, by CHARLES WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What are those domes? You asked in clerkenwell Last Line: This is the deep unhappiness of our race. Subject(s): Guilt; Judgments; Prisons & Prisoners; Sin THE UNIVERSITY OF GOTTINGEN, by GEORGE CANNING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Whenever with haggard eyes I view Last Line: Music still continuing to play till it is wholly fallen.) Variant Title(s): Song By Rogero;rogero's Song Of One Eleven Years In Prison Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Universities & Colleges; Convicts THE VINTAGE TO THE DUNGEON; A SONG, by RICHARD LOVELACE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sing out, pent souls, sing cheerfully! Last Line: And daunce to th' musick of your chaines. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE VISITOR, by CAROLYN FORCHE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In spanish he whispers there is no time left. Alternate Author Name(s): Sidlosky, Carolyn Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Spain; Convicts THE WOMEN'S PRISON, by JEAN VALENTINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The women in the prison Subject(s): Women; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts THE YOUNG CAPTIVE, by ANDRE MARIE CHENIER Poem Text First Line: The sickle spares the springing corn ...' Last Line: Within her gracious neighbourhood. Subject(s): Death; Prisons & Prisoners; Dead, The; Convicts THERE ARE BLACK, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are black guards slamming cell gates on black men Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Race Awareness; Convicts THREADS: ROSA LUXEMBURG FROM PRISON: 1. WRONKE, SPRING 1917, by JANE COOPER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A huge white poplar half fills the prison garden Subject(s): Luxemburg, Rosa (1871-1919); Prisons & Prisoners THREADS: ROSA LUXEMBURG FROM PRISON: 2. BRESLAU, NOVEMBER-DEC. 1917, by JANE COOPER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hans is killed Subject(s): Luxemburg, Rosa (1871-1919); Prisons & Prisoners THREADS: ROSA LUXEMBURG FROM PRISON: 3. BRESLAU, SPRING 1918, by JANE COOPER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My window looks on the red brick wall Subject(s): Luxemburg, Rosa (1871-1919); Prisons & Prisoners TIRED, by AUGUSTA DAVIES WEBSTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: No not to-night, dear child; I cannot go Last Line: And are you shawled against this east wind's chills? Alternate Author Name(s): Home, Cecil; Webster, Mrs. Julia Augusta Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Morality; Prisons & Prisoners; Women; Ethics TO ALTHEA, FROM PRISON, by RICHARD LOVELACE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When love with unconfined wings Last Line: Enjoy such liberty. Subject(s): Freedom; Love; Prisons & Prisoners; Liberty; Convicts TO BE SAID OVER AND OVER AGAIN, by GYORGY PETRI Poet's Biography First Line: I glance down at my shoe and - there's the lace! Subject(s): Human Rights; Prisons & Prisoners; Shoes; Convicts; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers TO FORTUNE, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Whilst I in prison or in court look down Last Line: And, wouldst thou have me humbled, make me great. Subject(s): Fortune; Pride; Prisons & Prisoners; Self-esteem; Self-respect TO SILVIO PELLICO, ON READING HIS 'PRIGIONE', by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are who climb the mountain's heathery side Last Line: There throned in peace divine is liberty! Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea Subject(s): Freedom; Pellico, Sivio (1789-1854); Prisons & Prisoners; Liberty; Convicts TO SITTING BULL, by GERTRUDE B. GUNDERSON Poem Text First Line: There is no prophet without honor, save Last Line: Our prairie when injustice is abroad. Subject(s): Messiah; Native Americans; Prisons & Prisoners; Prophecy & Prophets; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; Convicts TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 2. HIGH IN MY CHAMBER, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: High in my chamber I can hear the deep bells chime Last Line: Through the night rising I hear. Subject(s): Exiles; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP, by GEORGE FREDERICK ROOT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In the prison cell I sit Last Line: Of freedom in our own beloved home. Subject(s): Adversity; Freedom; Holidays; Memorial Day; Prisons & Prisoners; War; Liberty; Declaration Day; Convicts TRAVERSE CITY ZOO, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once I saw a wolf tread a circle in his cage Last Line: Of dope. He grew smaller and sputtered into sleep. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Anger; Animals; Prisons & Prisoners; Zoos; Convicts TRILCE: 18, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, the four walls of the cell! Last Line: Must look for man’s powerless superiority Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners TUOL SLENG: POL POT'S PRISON, by KAREN SWENSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Like photographs of dutch schultz which show a slick Last Line: But all I can do is make them into words. Subject(s): Cambodia; Photography & Photographers; Prisons & Prisoners UNDER HOUSE ARREST IN WINDSOR, by HENRY HOWARD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When windsor walls sustained my wearied arm Last Line: And I half bent to throw me down withal. Alternate Author Name(s): Surrey, Earl Of Subject(s): Children; Prisons & Prisoners; Windsor Castle; Childhood; Convicts UPON THE BISHOP OF LINCOLNE'S IMPRISONMENT, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Never was day so over-sick with showres Last Line: Yet I bring balme and oile to heal your sore. Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts VILLON IN PRISON, by HOWARD CHANDLER ROBBINS Poem Text First Line: A word with thee, my friend o' the rusty keys! Last Line: How did the first line run? -- poor jehanne, poor jehanne! Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Villon, Francois (1431-1463); Yale University VIRGIDEMIAE: BOOK 4: SATIRE: 2, by JOSEPH HALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Old driueling lolio drudges all he can Last Line: Brasse gentlemen, and caesars laureate. Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Prisons & Prisoners; Schools; Soul; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Convicts; Students WHAT DID YOU SEE?, by FANNY HOWE Poem Full Text Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: I saw the shrouds of prisoners Last Line: And I recognize them! Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts WHAT'S HAPPENING, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At this moment, fires of a riot are everywhere Last Line: Viva la huelga! Subject(s): Politics & Government; Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts WORK IN PROGRESS, by CHARLES MARTIN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Doctor, I dream that I am lost, and mocked Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts WRITTEN ON A WALL AT WOODSTOCK, by ELIZABETH I Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh fortune, thy wrestling wavering state Last Line: So god send to my foes all they have thought. Alternate Author Name(s): Tudor, Elizabeth Variant Title(s): Verses Written On A Shutter ... Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts WRITTEN ON THE DUNGEON WALL, by EMILY JANE BRONTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I know that tonight the wind is sighing Alternate Author Name(s): Bell, Ellis Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts WRITTEN THE DAY I WAS TO BEGIN A RESIDENCY AT THE STATE PENITENTIARY, by ARTHUR SZE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Inmates put an acetylene torch to another inmate's face Last Line: "are ""an ice cube's chance in hell." Subject(s): Beckett, Samuel (1906-1989); Prisons & Prisoners WYATT BEING IN PRISON, TO BRIAN, by THOMAS WYATT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sighs are my food, drink are my tears Last Line: But yet, alas, the scar shall still remain. Alternate Author Name(s): Wyat, Thomas Variant Title(s): Sighs Are My Food;epigram: 24 Subject(s): Bryan, Sir Francis (d. 1550); Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts |
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