21 Bars

Poetry from the Inside

By: A. Perkins

Narrated by: Jerome Ferguson

21 Bars: Poetry from the Inside – A Powerful, Unfiltered Collection of Prison Poetry

"Who was I when the world was mine? Who was I, before the crime?"

Behind bars, time moves differently. Every moment stretches, every memory lingers, and every word carries the weight of survival. 21 Bars: Poetry from the Inside is an unapologetic, rhythmic journey through incarceration, self-reflection, and redemption.

If you appreciate the unfiltered storytelling of Tupac Shakur, Langston Hughes, or Maya Angelou, this book will resonate deeply. These poems strip away pretense and dive headfirst into the realities of confinement—the regrets, the revelations, the hope that refuses to die.

WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR?

Lovers of powerful, rhythmic poetry – Gritty, lyrical, and unforgettable. Those impacted by the justice system – Whether you’ve lived it, know someone inside, or advocate for reform, these words hit home. Listeners seeking raw truth – This collection challenges and inspires, offering an honest look at struggle and survival. Educators & students studying social justice – A teaching tool for discussions on incarceration, resilience, and self-expression. Anyone who has felt trapped—mentally, emotionally, or physically – Proof that freedom starts within.

WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM THIS BOOK:

Spoken-word-style poetry that stays with you Deep reflections on justice, identity, and redemption A firsthand account of survival behind bars A testament to resilience and second chances 21 Bars is more than poetry—it’s truth, pain, and power in verse. Are you ready to listen?

©2025 AVOY LLC (P)2025 AVOY LLC

Critic reviews

"A. Perkins' 21 Bars breaks barriers with its deeply immersive and unapologetically raw poetic storytelling—freedom lives within its pages." -Eva Xan, Best-Selling Poetry Book Editor & Author of Esoterra

Poems That Stayed With Me

The poems about identity after a crime stayed with me longest. That question of who a person was before everything changed keeps returning, and it gives the collection a strong emotional thread without making the pain feel staged.

The narration fits the material well. It leaves room for the words to land, especially in the shorter pieces, though a few poems felt more familiar in their themes than others. Still, the mix of anger, regret, and stubborn hope made this an absorbing listen.