With three months left of a probation sentence which stemmed from a felony firearm case, I was arrested at my home in possession of yet another firearm. This began a yearlong period of incarceration in the San Diego County Jail's South Bay Detention Facility. Four stories underground, amid hopelessness, depression, shamefulness, and despair I began to write poetry. During the last six months of this self-created Hell, I became overwhelmed by the reality that I had the power of choice in all my present thoughts and actions. This led me to the decision, and ultimately the commitment of empowering myself and those around me. The 85 poems contained in this book encompass every aspect of personal and spiritual examination I experienced as I struggled to remain steadfast in my resolution for positive progress. The publication of this volume is but a small part in the manifestation of the decision I made over a year ago. I hope and pray that in this intimate, poetic expression of myself, you would find a piece of yourself and come to share in the spiritual experience which brought these words to life.