Men Still in Exile

This anthology brings together the creative work of men from four Oregon prisons: Mill Creek Correctional Facility, Salem; Deer Ridge Correctional Facility, Madras; Columbia River Correctional Facility, Portland; and Oregon State Penitentiary, Salem. The men's poems, essays, and artwork—collected by their devoted writing teacher, Michele Dishong McCormack—reach beyond the prison walls and bear witness to our common struggle. On the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Penned Thoughts Writers Group, which meets most Wednesdays at the Oregon State Penitentiary, this book celebrates the sanctuary these men have found in words and art. As one writer explains, "We want the world to know that there is a community of men inside these walls who are more than just prisoners." Exploring themes of gratitude and faith, hope and dreams, life, love, family, and regret, the power and urgency of these voices welcome readers into this exiled community of writers and artists.