Introduction Jails simply cannot reduce relapsing for ex-offenders and improve behavior of current offenders without establishing effective programs that open up more treatment and work programs for them. One of the worst things about being in prison is not just the helplessness and the powerlessness; it's the fact that inmates feel like they're living a useless and insignificant existence. Today, there is sufficient evidence that treatment can reduce backsliding and boost the chances of inmates getting out of jail if the programs are well-designed, well-enforced and targeted appropriately. One of these programs includes reading and writing poetry. Through writing, inmates are given a voice, an outlet and a purpose. In an environment where people are told what to wear and eat; what time to eat, wake up, and sleep; when to participate in recreation; when they can make phone calls and to whom; when family and friends can visit; what they can or cannot receive in the mail (Geraci, 1), self-expression is crucial. Not only are they able to express themselves but poetry also help inmates learn how to attain and improve their academic skills. More importantly, it cultivates positive attitudes in a place surrounded by negativity. It is essential to make prisons serve as a transitional placement for prisoners ”a place where they can progress toward their release. It should introduce programs that would help and encourage prisoners to better themselves while they are still in correctional facilities and once they try to transition back into the community. However, the public will criticize this idea and wonder why they should help pay for programs that will benefit offenders when it's their fault that they are thrown into jail in the first place and how will this benefit them as well. Purpose Several programs that encourage participants in drug rehabs, members of programs dealing with bullying and many others to read and write not just poetry, but also other types of literature have emerged throughout the years. In jails, it is becoming more popular as well. My topic for this writing project is poetry's role in jail. In this paper, I plan to discuss the whole concept of the role poetry in prison. The aspects that I specifically want to investigate about this topic are "how will programs that encourage inmates to read and write literature help them while they are still in jail and when they are released?  How does this type of project help those who are still in jail keep their sanity? How does it help inmates turn their lives around and even achieve some literacy success? How will it help them once they get out? A lot of ex-convicts have a hard time returning to society once they get out. It's important for inmates, ex-inmates and the public to know how do writing and reading help them transition from being someone who had committed a crime to someone who will be a contributing member to society. Moreover, I believe that a lot of people might oppose the funding of these programs due to the fact that the participants and the beneficiaries of such programs are people who committed crimes with real victims. People are quick to judge those who are in jail and those who have been in jail without knowing much about them. Many will ponder as to why should the public consider it an important thing and why should it be advocated. Our society doesn't really know a lot about people who end up in jail or jail itself; however, writings by inmates themselves, could serve as a way for the public to learn more about them. Research Methods I will take a case study approach in order to better understand this issue and to attempt to answer my research question. My case study will not focus on just one particular person. I plan on focusing on the history or background of these types of program, the process ”what exactly do participants and people in-charge do, and the results of it. Therefore, I plan on reading articles about the historical background of education in prison, more specifically, poetry teaching and writing in prison. This will allow me to better understand how it came about and why it even started. Articles that are written by those who participated and those who are in-charge of such programs will also be helpful. One of my sources was written by a woman who has been volunteering to teach poetry in Cook County Jail. This is a good source for this particular case study because not only does the writer has first-handed experience but the jail is also local. It will help me better understand the process that they go through and if it is actually beneficial to not just convicts but also other members of society. Also, because I don't think that I will be able to interview an actual inmate, I will try to interview someone who volunteers to teach poetry and literature to inmates. Because I will not be able to interview an actual convict that participates in such programs, I plan on looking up videos in which repor