Tyrone Barnes is a street poet who has witnessed the devastating results of a turf war, the violence associated with knives and guns, and the influences of education on youth. In a raw and moving collection of urban poetry, Barnes lyrically explores why violence does not pay, how a tragic day in New York City changed the world, why it's important to work an honest job, how to love ourselves despite our flaws, and what it was like to grow up in the projects. Through it all, Barnes encourages youth and others to shun a life of crime and pursue a clean and honest existence that allows for love, forgiveness, healing, and for dreams to come true. The Mind of the Forensic Poet shares a young man's thoughtful reflections on street life, gangs, education, and the world around him.