Texas inmate Justin Fuller has written several poems while serving time on death row. Five poems, which he signed "Justin C. Fuller," appear unedited in the pages below.

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I Stood There and Watched

I stood there and watched
as I was arraigned for a crime I didn't commit.
I stood there and watched
as my attorneys played over my life.
I stood there and watched
11 whites and 1 Uncle Tom convict and sentence me to die.
I stood there and watched
as my momma cried, "Baby, God's gonna bring you home!!"
I stood there and watched
as all my hopes, dreams, and aspirations went down the drain.
I stood there and watched
as I was sitting on Death Row, lost, confused, not knowing what's next.
I stood there and watched
as the state of Texas reached record numbers in murders.
I stood there and watched
as newly acquired friends went fighting to their deaths.
I stood there and watched
as I seen my appeals moving along rapidly.
I stood there and watched
as my survival instincts and inner desire to live
pushed me to fight;
pushed me to overcome the massive obstacles.
I stood there and watched
as a radiant light shined so bright;
yet the future looked so dark.
Even though I don't know what happens next;
I will stand there and watch,
as life continues to unfold and
God guides me through.
As I stand here and watch ...