Outskirts Press, INC.

The journey of Carlisle’s discovery and recovery is shared via reflective stories, poetry and letters! He reveals his soul, his deepest secrets and thoughts along the way in an effort to gain peace! He shares some of his experience, strength and hope! He understands that he has been given grace!

Carlisle’s story is not unique! It mirrors that of many in America. Carlisle gives insight to the struggles and experiences of a young man seeking to successfully navigate through this matrix. He wants to redeem and purge himself of the poison that his mind, body and soul have ingested. His hope is to escape the grips of toxicity. This toxic behavior includes the abuse of alcohol, drugs and other forms of self-destruction. Carlisle becomes disillusioned and frustrated with life. He almost gives up on his dreams. His life is good until he faces confusion that results in obstacles and turmoil from childhood to manhood. By developing a relationship with a higher power that he can relate to Carlisle is victorious. He begins to deconstruct the monuments to institutions he had built. He learns to forgive. He makes amends. Most importantly, Carlisle learns to forgive himself. Along the way he develops lifelong relationships, some healthy, some not. He admits his faults, successfully navigates, and shares his experiences, strength and hope using poetry, letters and stories. If only one is helped by Carlisle’s story and by sharing his truth, then it’s a story worth telling. We all know a Carlisle and we all know someone who wants to go to heaven!