Felon

Poems

By: Reginald Dwayne Betts

Narrated by: Reginald Dwayne Betts

A searing volume by a poet whose work conveys “the visceral effect that prison has on identity” (New York Times).

Felon tells the story of one man in fierce, dazzling poems― canvassing his wide range of emotions and experiences through homelessness, underemployment, love, drug abuse, domestic violence, fatherhood, and grace― and, in doing so, creates a travelogue for an imagined life. Reginald Dwayne Betts confronts the funk of post-incarceration existence and examines prison not as a static space, but as a force that enacts pressure throughout a person’s life. Challenging the complexities of language, Betts animates what it means to be a “felon.”

From “Night”

What she tells me: prison killed you
my love, killed you so dead that you’re not
here now, you’re never here, you’re always.

powerful

the exposure gained by this book is worthy of a second read. the poems are strong and yet so fragile.

Free Verse for the Free Mind

An exceptional literary achievement born of actual life experiences. You will find these stories impactful.

Painful verses by a hurting man.

These are the words of a man writing as if under water or drowning under the weight of memories. Beautiful yet painful to listen to. Four Stars ****

Touching

I enjoyed the flow and the blunt honesty. It was relatable and taught a lesson that many need to not follow this path good story.

Wonderful

This book really makes you feel the experience of the writer as if talking to your best friend. I am neither black nor male. Highly recommend this book.