Bible of an Alligator is the poignant autobiographical narrative of poet/author Alphonso Taylor. In his second collection of poems, Taylor expresses anger and frustration through free verse about the life experiences of a young black man living in the rough side of Southeast, Washington DC.
An alligator is an animal typically underestimated until it proves otherwise; Taylor believes the alligator to be his alter ego. It is with verse that Taylor finds his final act of retribution. Defying the negative expectations society places on young black men, Taylor views his life to exist in a state of war. His words are his weapons, his ultimate act of vengeance. Through this prism of the world, Taylor’s work is crafted with an urban edge and infused with his much-discussed “inner-thug.”
Beyond the theme of war, Taylor elucidates on a variety of subjects: adolescence, education, religion, sex and prostitution; demonstrating both the transitions in his life and a versatility of style. Assailing the page with honesty, Bible of an Alligator is a collection of revealing and inspired work. It is a testament to sorrow, courage, and spirituality.
