by Alexander Crespo
Father
Where art thou, nowhere to be found?
My fault you were never around. Not
a question. You were loved in spite of
absence. You told me once, I’m only a
phone call away. But reality hit harder
each and every day. That you weren’t
there to help my growing need. I don’t
blame you for my mistakes. I’m a father,
I see what it takes. Frustration sets as I
navigate through locked doors, barbwire
fences I can’t escape. Only a phone call
away, one I alone can make.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexander Crespo AKA Lexo is from North Philadelphia. The youngest of three children, his mother was a single parent; his dad was never in his life. Lexo suffered multiple concussions and traumatic brain injuries in early development and has struggled with a learning disability. He has worked hard to transform, grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and socially, which is a daily process. He is an active member in Church, an usher, and a former board member of F.A.C.T. (Fathers and Children Together), which teach parenting skills to incarcerated fathers. He is a board member of several re-entry programs including PAR (People Advancing Re-integration), the (Christian) Disciple program, and the faith-based CFR (Community Forgiveness & Restoration), which he co-founded and co-facilitates. He is also a member of L.A.C.E.O. (Latin American Cultural Exchange Organization), which created a scholarship for at-risk children in three counties. Lexo is currently working toward his bachelor’s degree in Divinity.