>> though frustrated by the system, collins had found a way to voice her grievances. >> my name is gwendolyn collins. and the poem is "why i write poetry." i don't write poetry for the fame, speaking loud with no shame, the words i spit i claim, it's all a part of the game i call life. i consider myself an artist, painting mental pictures in my head. >> we saw collins the slam poet when she gave an impromptu performance for the women in her jail dorm. >> and the bible says that god blesses baby and fools. 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.