On April 16, 2003, I contemplated suicide. The thought had a calming effect. The pain, misery, guilt and shame would end. On April 16, 2003, I heard a voice tell me to, "go ask for help." I obeyed. I was delivered from addiction to crack cocaine, heroin and alcohol. On April 23, 2003, I woke up from the first restful sleep I had in years and was quickened in my spirit. While on my way to a halfway house, doubt and fear crept into my mind. After all, I had been struggling to get and stay clean for more than a decade. On May 1, 2003, I heard a voice tell me to, "stand back and watch the power...

Poetry has given me the freedom to express my thoughts, feelings and emotions without the fear of being judged or sanctioned. My interaction with the environment, people places and things have stimulated me to explore the English language. This exploration has produced introspection, appreciation and humility. Above all, I discovered a channel through which I am able to communicate adoration, admiration, humility praise to God. It is His gift to me to be able to express myself through the written word.