Long Road Home

By Steven “Walks On The Grass” Maisenbacher

In each Chapter of Long Road Home this delightfully witty, warm and talented man shares an honest and compelling account of his amazing journey. From the first line, “I was born broken” Walks navigates a path filled with bumps, boulders, crashes, and wrong turns in search of wholeness during 37 years within the walls of the federal prison system. Through the grounding of songs, prayers and ceremony in the Inipi, traditional Lakota sweat lodge, the support of wise elders and teachers and developing his natural talents, Walks gradually comes home to his true self. This is an enlightening and inspiring work. You won’t want to miss it. epd

“The lost home that we are seeking is ourselves; it is the story we carry within our soul.”

~ Michael Meade

Thank you for following Walks’ story. I think it’s important to add that when I first asked Walks to write out his story, it was because I had come to know him well enough to feel his story was well worth writing down and sharing with others. Little did I consider that writing his story would have such great significance for him as a therapeutic exercise. By the time we had worked together as writer and editor through the process of completing the first few chapters we both came to realize what an emotional release it was for him to dredge up old memories and shine a light on not just the struggles but also the personal achievements in each phase of his journey.

In the beginning it was difficult for Walks to even talk about some aspects of his early life and his struggles with his addiction and “bad” behavior though the emotions can most certainly be found in some of his poetry and lyrics. It won’t be until chapter 17 that he first mentions his most significant coping mechanism during some of his darkest hours – one that has stayed with him but has now morphed into a delightful part of Walks’ mischievous, fun-loving personality. (See Stir Crazy)

After Walks completed all he wanted to say about his spiritual journey he thought he would like to talk about some other memorable experiences Along the Way. Then quite by surprise, during this endeavor, some of those “difficult to speak of” aspects suddenly started finding voice as well, adding depth and insights in his lifetime of inner struggles..

As the date of Walks’ release from prison rapidly approached, quite naturally he had mixed emotions and more than a little anxiety about how he would make his way and how he will be received in this strange new world. In light in the Distance, Walks’ focus shifts to the mental and physical processes of change. His attitude toward prison life gradually changes from one who is required to be submissive to the orders of his jailers to that of a man free to make his own decisions.

Finally the day of Walks’ release arrived. Though he was as mentally and emotionally ready as anyone could possibly be to face this strange new world, just like a climber prepared to ascend Mt. Everest, Walks still had more than a little anxiety about this huge step. Beginning in September 2021, in Step Into The Light, Walks describes in weekly journal entries the challenges, accomplishments and a few amazing surprises through his final year to freedom.

As you read these small tidbits of Walks’ long journey home it is my prayer that you too will see the human being who is “someone of worth” far more than the shallow notion most of us have about those who become criminals and end up in prison.

Thank you,

Sings Many Songs

Long Road Home

Part 1 – Spiritual Journey toward Addiction Recovery

Part 2 – Along the Way

More Experiences, Insights, Emotions, Struggles & Humor on the Long Road Home

Part 3 – Light in the Distance

Part 4 – Step Into The Light

The first three Parts of Steven Maisenbacher’s first book, LONG ROAD HOME tells the story of his life, and his spiritual journey from brokenness toward wholeness during decades of incarceration. ALONG THE WAY tells of some of his other significant experiences and thoughts and LIGHT IN THE DISTANCE documents his mental and emotional preparations for living in the outside world during the year just prior to his release.

Now, in Part 4 – STEP INTO THE LIGHT we all have the opportunity to walk along with Steven as he journals the challenges of this huge transition back into a world now totally changed and unfamiliar.

Entry 1 – Night Ride to Freedom’s Door

Entry 2 – Warrior Women

Entry 3 – Thought I Was Safe

Entry 4 – Speed Bumps

Entry 5 – Walks Goes to College

Entry 6 – The Most Powerful

Entry 7 – Time vs. People

Entry 8 – Skepticism

Entry 9 – Who Cares?

Entry 10 – Giving Thanks

Entry 11 – Thanksgiving Truth

Entry 12 – Forward Momentum

Entry 13 – It’s Not a Secret Anymore

Entry 14 – Turmoil

Entry 15 – Brrrrrr

Entry 16 – What a World

Entry 17 – Gifts

Entry 18 – Learning Curve

Entry 19 – Hit the Gas

Entry 20 – Cons & Pros

Entry 21 – Adopted By The Wind

Long Road Home – Part 1 table of Contents with Song Titles

• Chapter 1 – Broken (Breathe)
• Chapter 2 – Then Spirit Raises Your Voice (Deep End)
• Chapter 2A – 2005 Interview Vice Magazine (Now the BUFFALO ARE gone)
• Chapter 3 – Still There is Music in My Head (Camouflage)
• Chapter 4 – Talking Donkey (Ride for the Sun)
• Chapter 5 – Depression, Music & Brotherhood (White Noise)
• Chapter 6 – Things I Regret (Morning Prayer)
• Chapter 7 – Blindsided (Black River)
• Chapter 8 – Strange Blessings (Peaceful At Night)
• Chapter 9 – Walker (Exactly)
• Chapter10 – Cat In The Forest (Dear Friend)
• Chapter 11 – Finding New Family (Here and Well)
• Chapter 12 – Big Moves (Self Portrait)
• Chapter 13 – Twenty-One Songs (Listed 21 Songs – Set List – Robo Cop)
• Chapter 14 – From the Top To the Bottom (Vengeance)
• Chapter 15 – Finally a New Circle (Free Here Now)
• Chapter 16 – Wasn’t Long, And It Wasn’t Long (Off Kilter)
• Chapter 17 – Didn’t See It Coming (Insane)
• Chapter 18 – Gonna Be Days Like This (Shame)
• Chapter 19 – Wash the Pain From My Soul (Then Change It)
• Chapter 20 – Calm Before the Storm (Try to Get It Right)
• Chapter 21 – Lockdown! And They Mean It (Dying All Over Again)
• Chapter 22 – Headaches, Heartaches & Spiritual Challenges
• Chapter 23 – Roll The Footage (Jealousy Is a Poison)
• Chapter 24 – Dreams for the Future – Post Script (See Someone of Worth)