I began writing poetry at the age of seventeen. A couple of my childhood friends and I would sit and write raps to music and make cassette tapes to pass the time I began to notice that I really liked to write and express myself on paper and it became a hobby of mine. That was twenty years ago and I think I love writing more now than previously. One of my associates published a book recently and was gracious enough to let me share my thoughts and upon seeing my years of writing come to fruition, it motivated me to embark on my own publications. I tried to write this in such a way that whatever emotions you are feeling at the time, you would be able to open this book and free your mind and get lost in my world for a few hours. In closing, I would just like to say whatever your passion or dreams are go for it! With enough hard work and dedication you can make it happen.

Here it is! After having so much success with Volume one of my Poetry series, I decided to come right back with out hesitation with Volume 2. In this work, I expand a little deeper on different topics plaguing my community as a whole. There's a lot of blood sweat and tears in these pages but the vivid pictures painted make you feel like you're right there as things are happening. I thank you for taking the time out of your life to read my thoughts in rhyme. I appreciate you. Fly Ty Unchained [email protected]

As a black male, I am constantly asked why I care about how black women choose to wear their hair. I've gotten into debates and heated arguments over the years on the subject, from whether black women should where their natural hair to embrace what God has given them and be an example to young black girls looking for an identity in this world, to whether their hair shouldn't matter when it comes to defining who black women are. I personally believe every part of you defines who you are as a person, from how you wear your hair, how you speak and how you present yourself in general. I have been Loc'd for the past sixteen years, and while I can't speak for everyone, I can surely say it's one of the best decisions I've made in my life.

I come from a place where if you're not from around there you might not understand it. I see police on almost every block, stopping and frisking, harassing hardworking citizens etc... And in the midst of all this there is still a high rate of drugs and violent crime. To see the raw realities of life in certain poverty stricken or low wage communities is depressing to say the least. I decided to paint a vivid picture through rhyme of what I see and experience on an everyday basis. Millions of people in and out the ghetto can relate to these stories even if they don't reside there because they know someone who is going through some sort of trouble. The truth is ugly, it hurts, it breaks you down, but it's real and it wakes you up to the Facts of Life Living in the Ghetto.....

I can probably write a hundred books on things I've seen and experienced over the years growing up in a hostile ghetto environment in The Bronx N.Y. If you didn't grow up here and you're not familiar with inner city life, some of the stories you hear from people who have been here all their lives will definitely surprise you. As a poet, I decided to write about my life experiences, views etc in a poetic form. Some of it is fiction and use of imagination just to keep the reader entertained, while still incorporating real life scenarios and situations. Sometimes people don't fully understand where you're coming from and why you are the way you are until they hear your background and life story. This is just one book of many more to come because life in the Ghetto is more times stranger than fiction!

Pain is terrible! Pain is awful! Pain is misery! But pain is also a lesson! Pain is also a teacher! Pain can be a blessing! Sometimes pain may make you get up and change something in your life to bring back something better! We don't realize a lot of times how pain can benefit us. Trust me I know, No one wants to deal with pain of any kind, whether physical, mental or spiritual. The thing is we need to learn how to grow to a level of patience that will allow nothing to bother us in a negative way in our lives until whatever problem we are dealing with subsides, and it will, whether now or later. It takes time though, believe me I'm going through it right now and it's not easy! Over time though I have learned that many people are dealing with tremendous physical pain in their lives, and they have no choice but to try to get through it and live their lives to the best of their ability.

I like to give the public little glimpses of what I see and deal with in my everyday life. Although I'm a very private person, I understand that other people may benefit reading about how others overcame trials and tribulations. My life has taken a lot of interesting twists and turns in the past seven to eight years, and I'm glad that I'm able to share those experiences with my peers and the general public, whether they were great experiences or ones I would like to forget. I now realize the power that writing books can hold. You can immortalize moments in your life in words forever, and they'll be here long after you're gone for your children and grandchildren to enjoy. I hope you enjoy what I write and I hope you're inspired to do better in your life.