Haikus of Soul: Love, Lust & Confusion
Book Description
What does it mean to be an American soul in a country of unlimited freedoms when your own are stripped away?
This question Autley I. Salahuddin dares to confront in Haikus of Soul: Love, Lust & Confusion. Born from the stark realities within the prison walls of Georgia, USA, this collection captures the complex mix of love, lust, and confusion of a wrongly convicted and incarcerated soul.
From the deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures and the longing for a once-sexual lifestyle, to the disorienting confusion of assimilating into prison culture, it is the bold, direct, and unapologetically liberated haiku expression of an imprisoned American soul.
From the Author
Unless you’ve been behind these walls, you can’t truly imagine what it’s like to have your freedom taken.
For more than 17 years, the three strongest emotions I’ve felt are Love, Lust, and Confusion. Writing became my safe space, and I released those feelings in the poetic form of haiku.
Each line is intentionally concise and deliberately packed with an intensity that I am certain will reach your heart. Please support this project and help me share these verses with the world.What is a Haiku??
A haiku is a brief, three-line poetic form that traditionally captures fleeting moments.
The first line can only contain five syllables.
The second line only seven syllables, and...
The third line only five syllables.
In this collection, Haikus of Soul, each poem is a raw, unfiltered expression of my spirit and experiences while incarcerated. Here is an example of a haiku from these pages:
S A L A H U D D I N
----- (a Haiku) -----
Four-syllable name,
Unmistakenly unique,
Unforgettable.
Enjoy.
First Review
Haikus of Soul: Love, Lust & Confusion is a quiet, reflective journey told through the lens of haiku. I’ll admit, haiku wasn’t a style I was familiar with before reading this book, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore it through my friend’s eyes.
Each poem offers a glimpse into memory, longing, and connection. Whether he’s honoring a legendary voice like Teena Marie in “Lady of Soul”, or capturing the simple complexities of love, the author uses small, vivid details to tell larger emotional stories.
This body of work feels personal—like reading someone’s diary in poetic form. The poems aren’t flashy or overly complex. Instead, they serve as quiet reminders of love, nostalgia, and the simple moments that make us human.
It may not be a fast-paced or traditional book of poetry—but that’s the beauty of it. It encourages stillness, reflection, and the courage to express what’s often hard to say out loud.
Co-author of Revealing & Healing
About the Author
Autley I. Salahuddin is dedicated to restoring trust, inspiring truth, and building community through his life and work. The founder of OmniWorks International and a committed advocate for mental health awareness, his debut collection, Haikus of Soul: Love, Lust & Confusion, is a powerful expression of this mission and one he hopes will spark discussion.
Where to Buy
Haikus of Soul: Love, Lust & Confusion is available through the following retailers or wherever books are sold:
