i think god has a sense of humor and is amused, you see, because being in a women's detention center is not all he has in store for me. i guess that's how i started to write poetry. it saved me from arguments, headaches and heartaches. i like it because i feel that i can express, i can teach, i can motivate others. i feel good when i'm up there. when i'm on stage and i recite and on the mike i feel free. there's no boundaries. living a life of crime bought nothing but misery. i had nice cars, living like a star with the bling-bling and the dress code and my gun always on lock and load on a long, dark road going nowhere. >> poetry had such an effect on some of the younger women inmates, almost being moved to tears, they were so overwhelmed by what she had to say to them. >> poetry is meant, it's deep down in your core. i'm here to stay, i found my way, i want to be heard for all to hear and see, but to be honest, i do it, i do it for me. [ cheers and applause ]