my name is gwen collins. the poem is why i write poetry. don't write poetry for the fame, speaking loud with know shame, the words i spit i claim, it's all 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. >> in the bible it says god blesses babies and fools, i think that god has a sense of humor and is the muse, you see, because being in the woman's detention center is not all he has in store from me. i like it. i feel i can teach, i can motivate others. i feel good when i'm up there. >> when i'm on stage and recite i'm on the mike, i feel free. there is no boundaries. living a life of crime is nothing but misery. i had nice cars and living like a star with the bling, bling and dress code and my gun on lock and load and a long dark road going nowhere. >> poetry had such an effect on the younger women inmates, being moved to tears. they were so overwhelmed by what she had to say to them. >> this