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Call to Goodness
Hello, this is Larry Stromberg, SCI Phoenix, in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is my poem entitled “Called to Goodness.” Called to Goodness I never considered myself a criminal. I’ve always been a person who loved… Full Transcript
Who I Am
Our worst mistake does not define who we are. I’ve heard this time and time again in counseling and recovery, but I think it’s true for all of us. Think about it. Do you want… Full Transcript
Guilt
Hi. This is Larry Stromberg, SCI Phoenix in Pennsylvania. Today, I’m going to quote my poem entitled “Guilt.” Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness, and Thy tender mercies. Psalm 51:1.… Full Transcript
Prison Policy Initiative Update
“Prison Policy Initiative Updates.” Today is June 1 that I’m recording this, 2026. So, the Prison Policy Initiative just updated its mass incarceration report, and as extensive as it is, I won’t read it all,… Full Transcript
Inside Looking Out
I’m on the inside looking out, watching life pass by. Dying in a prison cell, asking myself why. Young, dumb, drugs, manipulated.Wound up in this place. Family, friends, sit at home, tears upon their face.… Full Transcript
Christmas Peace
This is Larry Stromberg, SCI Phoenix, in Pennsylvania. This is my poem, “Christmas Peace,” for anyone who’s struggling during the holidays. So, “Christmas Peace.” Struggling during the holidays,Incarcerated with suicidal thoughts.Memories of the past control… Full Transcript
C’est La
My name’s Larry Stromberg. This is my poem, “C’est La.” C’est La The barbed wire has me in its grips, Cutting and ripping my life away. I’m in a prison within a prison.C’est la.I gain… Full Transcript
A Free Mind
This is Larry Stromberg from SCI Phoenix in Pennsylvania. This is my poem “A Free Mind.” A Free Mind Waking up at 3 a.m. in prisonIn cold sweats Mind racing and screaming in the darkness.Feeling… Full Transcript
Incarcerated
This is Larry Stromberg from SCI Phoenix and this is my poem entitled “Incarcerated.” Incarcerated Truth be told, I’ve been incarcerated all of my life in some way. Abused, beaten, controlled, Used, confused, and betrayed.… Full Transcript
Safety for a Refugee?
Steven Nicholson again here in Jackson, Michigan. Just quickly, just, you know, God forgive me if I say anything in this poem, I, you know, that offends you, Lord, but I mean I’m just frustrated… Full Transcript
Because Its Always Been That Way & Other Poems
Hello. This is Steven Nicholson again in Jackson, Michigan. Got three poems for you today. This first poem is called “Because It’s Always Been That Way.” I tell my body what to do. I speak… Full Transcript
His Voyage Home
Hi, this Larry Stromberg, and this is my poem, “The Voyage Home.” The Voyage Home Conceived in the womb, Beautiful baby boy, Honored son, Loved by his parents,Protective brother to his siblings. Trusted friend, Animal… Full Transcript
Lame & Other Poems
Hello everybody. It’s Steve Nicholson again. I’m here in Jackson, Michigan. I got three or four poems for you guys. These poems for my Prisoner Creative Arts Program, University of Michigan, Michigan poetry class, writing… Full Transcript
Upstanding
Hi. This is Larry Stromberg, and today I’m going to be reciting my poem entitled“Upstanding.” Upstanding An honest lawyer believes in liberty.Stops at nothing to achieve the lightFrom the depths of darkness. Complete integrity is expected, Even… Full Transcript
Derelict and Tyranny
Hello. My name is Khalil Hammond. This is a piece called “Derelict and Tyranny.” I often hear people say the system is broken, but I don’t think that it is. I believe that it operates… Full Transcript
Drowning
Hi. This is Larry Stromberg and I’m incarcerated at SCI Phoenix, and I’m gonna do a poem called Drowning. Drowning It’s a hell of a thing when you can’t breathe anymore. Think about George Floyd… Full Transcript
The Release of Brittney Griner
My inmate number is ND7568. I’m calling this piece, “The Release of Brittney Griner.” This is Kenjuan Congo, Jr. calling from a prison camp behind enemy lines. WNBA superstar Brittney Griner is a WNBA Champion… Full Transcript
Hard Line of the Beat
I am Izell Robinson, inmate number 210006, Minnesota inmate prisoner. Today I wanted to do a rap for you all called “Hard Line of the Beat.” So, here it goes. Who dare to compete, Hard… Full Transcript
What Victims Want
“What Victims Want.” Anyone in our times that believes in forgiveness has undoubtedly wondered what victims want. I have, and with every heinous crime reported on one, my desire for insight grows. You assume that… Full Transcript

Hello, earthlings. This is Dymitri again. Just one quick question for you. So, what do Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Apostle Paul all have in common? Answer: They were all prisoners who… Full Transcript