Trapped and Looking for an Exit

Book excerpt: "Trapped and Looking for an Exit" is a collaboration of writings by a son (Ian), and his father (Pastor Bryant Ali). Ian, from the confounds of a jail cell speaks to his father about the effects his absence had on his life. And, he does it the only way he knows how - through poetry. From "PAIN", where Ian writes about not having a father and no love from his mother, to WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE WORLD? where he writes, "Daddy's gone and momma smoking crack. Who got baby girl and lil' man's back," Ian communicates his pain, suffering, neglect and salvation. Pastor Ali's failures as a father are painfully revealed to him through Ian's writing. Blessed to have the opportunity to make amends with his son, he responds to each of his writings in a fatherly, pastoral way. Pastor Ali uses the one connection that has been constant between him and his son to bridge the gap of communication, God.