This book marks Michael Madsen's debut as a poet, presenting a raw and unfiltered collection of short stories and verse. It is a foundational work that established his literary style, which is often compared to the work of the Beat poets and the "dirty realism" of Charles Bukowski. The poems delve into the gritty realities of life, offering a candid glimpse into his personal world. It explores themes of travel, relationships, and the introspective moments of an actor's life, setting the tone for his subsequent poetic collections.

Published in the same year as his debut, Eat the Worm is another early collection of poetry that showcases Madsen's distinctive voice. The title itself suggests the book's candid and at times provocative nature. The book features a blend of autobiographical poetry that, like his other works, doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life. It provides an intimate look into his mind and experiences, cementing his reputation as a serious poet unafraid to expose his vulnerabilities and frustrations.

This collection, which won a Firecracker Alternative Book Award in 1999, continues Madsen's poetic exploration with a more expanded and thematic focus. The book contains prose poems that take the reader behind the scenes of his life, both in Hollywood and on the road. The writing is described as stark and vivid, touching on personal struggles with loneliness, depression, and the chaotic world of film sets. It is a powerful work that exposes the raw emotions beneath his public persona, offering a compelling portrait of a man navigating the excesses and disappointments of fame.

This book marked a new direction, with a unique two-part structure. The first half consists of autobiographical narrative poetry, continuing his tradition of sharing unvarnished stories from his life. The second half is a unique experiment, presenting a series of dream sequences that Madsen recorded over the course of a year. The book's introduction was written by his friend and Kill Bill co-star, David Carradine. It is illustrated with personal and professional photographs, making it a highly visual and deeply personal journal of his subconscious thoughts and waking life.

This is a comprehensive volume that consolidates his earlier works. It includes "Beer, Blood & Ashes," "Eat the Worm," and "Burning in Paradise," making it a definitive collection of his first decade as a poet. The book was created to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of his first published work, and it includes rare photos from his professional and personal life, providing a definitive look at his early literary career.

This book stands out for its unique blend of poetry and photography, with Madsen's own images complementing his verse. It is a visual and lyrical travelogue of his experiences and observations while away from film sets. The poems reflect the mood and feeling of those moments, and the book is especially poignant as Madsen dedicated it to the memory of his friend and co-star, Chris Penn.

Published in 2009, this book is another collection of new poems that delve into the themes of modern life with Madsen's characteristic gritty and introspective style. The book includes candid photographs of celebrities and behind-the-scenes moments from his films, offering a raw, unfiltered look at Hollywood. This work, like his others, continues to draw comparisons to the Beat poets and the "dirty realism" of Charles Bukowski, and it was dedicated to the memory of his friend, David Carradine.

One of his last published works, Expecting Rain combines new poetry with a collection of original photographs and never-before-seen images from Madsen's career. The book has a scrapbook-like feel, providing a very personal and curated glimpse into his life and experiences. It is dedicated to his iconic friend, the late Dennis Hopper, and the foreword was written by renowned author Jerry Hopkins. The poems within continue his exploration of life's complexities and his personal philosophy.

The final poetry collection by Michael Madsen, which is set to be released posthumously, is titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts & Poems. It is a deeply personal work that continues his tradition of combining candid autobiography with his raw, poetic style. The book is dedicated to his father, Calvin Madsen, and delves into themes of family, love, and the complex journey of a man in the modern world. It is also said to contain reflections on his own life as an actor, his relationships with family members, and the personal grief he experienced, making it a poignant and final artistic statement. This collection is particularly notable as it features a foreword by his frequent collaborator, Quentin Tarantino, who praises Madsen for his ability to capture emotions that have been lost in recent generations.