During the struggles that culminated in multiple suicide attempts, the author produced poems and drawings expressing his inner thoughts and feelings. Although excerpts from a few poems have been used in prior spoken and written work, most have never been seen outside of the small circle of students who intervened to save their friend.

The anthology includes poems written while experiencing depression, mania, and suicidal crisis. Thus, they capture the inner world and the raw emotions of someone who has struggled with those serious life challenges in a rare form.

Now, decades later as a suicide prevention expert, the author has added brief reflections and notes about each poem that provide further insight into the mind of someone considering suicide and recovering hope. The book provides an insider view of desperation and despair, as well as notes for people trying to understand the suicidal state and help someone who is contemplating suicide.