In Watts Bleeds by Luis Rodriguez, the poet vividly portrays the lingering pain and scars left on the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts after years of systemic oppression, violence, and unrest. He weaves personal and communal trauma into a powerful narrative of survival, resistance, and the hope for transformation. The poem serves as both a witness to suffering and a call for justice and healing. 

This Hughes poem explores the gap between the American Dream and the reality of racial and economic injustice. 

While on death row in Holman Prison in 2005, Grayson published Against Time, a collection of his poetry. The following poem from the collection refers to a catered dinner for state officials and the warden that is held at Holman Prison on the day of an execution. 

A poem that conveys the idea that kindness is a transformative force that can be learned through loss and sorrow. The poem uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe how kindness is essential to life and can help people through difficult times. 

Angelou's poem is a powerful message about resilience in the face of injustice.