Poet explores the beauty, resilience and humanity of Haitian life while questioning the mental and physical consequences of poor prison conditions

SYLMAR, Calif., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Author and poet Marie J. Mond invites readers to confront difficult realities and discover enduring hope in her new poetry collection, "Poetry in Black and White: Featuring Skylark Poetry Society's Contest Winner - Daniel Miltz." Through imagery and emotionally charged verse, the collection examines the human condition within Haiti's overcrowded prison system while highlighting resilience, dignity and humanity of those forgotten by society.

In "Poetry in Black and White," Mond uses poetry to shed light on poor jail conditions, mental health struggles and the universal emotions that connect people across cultures and circumstances. Inspired by Mond's interest in human rights and humanitarian causes, the book combines reflections on suffering, regret, injustice and redemption with depictions of Haiti's beauty, history and spirit.

"My goal is to have the reader explore the human condition in prison and the transformative healing ability of the mind within the context of the richness and beauty of Haiti," Mond said.

The collection features award-winning poet Daniel Miltz, whose poem "Shadow of Confinement" won first place in Skylark Poetry International's 2024 content and serves as an introduction to the book's central themes of confinement, endurance and hope. Throughout the collection, readers can encounter the voices of prisoners, families and communities affected by injustice, while also witnessing moments of compassion, memory and spiritual perseverance.

"I hope readers come away with a greater appreciation for the healing power of art, a deeper awareness of the mental health struggles and conditions endured by many prisoners and a renewed understanding that our shared emotions and experiences connect us all," Mond said.

"Poetry in Black and White: Featuring Skylark Poetry Society's Contest Winner - Daniel Miltz"
By Marie J. Mond
ISBN: 9781489752192 (softcover); 9781489752185 (electronic); 9781489753281 (audio)
Available on LifeRich Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

About the author
Marie J. Mond is the author of "The Storm," "To Haiti with Love and Other Poems" and "Love and Resistance." She was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. During her elementary school years, she wrote essays for the Veterans of Foreign War contests. In college, Philosophy interested her more than Political Science and French. Now she writes poetry to promote Human Rights and raise awareness for charities. To learn more, please visit www.mariejmond.com.

General Inquiries:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Cydney De Los Santos 
cdelossantos@lavidge.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-poetry-collection-gives-voice-to-haitis-forgotten-prisoners-and-the-resilience-of-the-human-spirit-302861244.html

SOURCE LifeRich Publishing