The book includes two themes:
Wise, which looks at life and what is learnt from it.
The second theme is Otherwise and explores how Ian feels about challenges in South Africa.
Ian describes his writing as the opportunity to explore and "share the injustice in the world and society.’' Challenges are going to continue ‘until people start to see things differently.’
The cover and the back of the book, include two paintings of Ian – One younger one older. The contrast between the two is interesting as it shows the journey that the book explores in text. Ian hopes that people learn not to just look at people and jump to conclusions or assumptions.
“You are on the street! I am a basket case! No, I am a skilled artisan, master craftsman, and most importantly a poet.”
