This collection of poetry speaks to a very common theme of real human experiences, and they are just a small part of mine. I expressed how I felt like an outsider, then realized, it's not always bad to be unusual. Me and my children suffered the utmost tragedy of being separated over my naivety, and the intentional betrayal of a neighbor I considered a friend. It's about loving someone and discovering you both want something totally different. Our circumstances are not who we are. They are not a direct reflection of our whole being. For anyone who has had to experience incarceration for any amount of time can understand where I'm coming from in two of these poems. It's when the reality of the utter loneliness of being forcibly ridden of the things that are often taken for granted put you in touch with the peace that you can only find within yourself. I also believe in owning my feelings and not allowing others to trample my trust with lies. These writings are a liberation of all the labels, assumptions, and character assassinations that haunted me for so long. The love my mother and father gave me is what I cling to. Even when you may think you have failed, you must keep reaching and know how to grasp opportunity. We all need strength to maintain. I hope that you will discover something within these pages that can help change your life in a positive way.