The Way Back, by Mike Owens, should be an essential part of your poetry collection!

Essayist, poet, and youth crime prevention advocate, Mike Owens is currently serving a Life Without Parole sentence in the California State Prison system under California’s mandatory minimum sentencing law.

Mike lives in Mule Creek State Prison where he facilitates self-help groups and volunteers in a juvenile diversion program, working closely with at-risk youth. In 2016, Mike began working toward his degree in Behavioral Sciences from Coastline Community College, as well as a Counseling Certification from Folsom Lake College.

Originally from Sacramento, Mike has been writing for nearly twenty years.
His wife, Maurita, lives in Sacramento with their three sons, Kendrik, Samarii, and T.J.

For his poem “Black Settlement Photo: Circa 1867,” Mike won the 2010 PEN American Dawson Prize, and his writings have been featured in numerous collections and journals. He self-published Foreign Currency, a full-length poetry collection in 2012, and is currently working on an experimental memoir.

Random Lane Press is proud to have the opportunity to publish Mr. Owens’ work. We welcome any inquiries about Mike, his poetry, and his other endeavors. Please contact us at randomlanepress@gmail.com.

Mike encourages all questions, comments, and opportunities to exchange poetry. Please contact him directly via US Mail at:

Mike Owens #J-25599
MCSP C11-226
P.O. Box 409060
Ione, CA 95640