Little Sister

for seven years

in the back of my head

there has been a terrible 

Terrible story 

started a long time ago

When a 15 year old boy

hurt his little sister 

(Bad)

and then…

Our paths separate at this point.

And I only know the story of the other 15 year-old-November-16-2009-boy

Because I talked about you, Charles, my-used-to-be-son

All the time

Until tonight I did not know your doppelgänger’s name–

Jamar Pinkney, Jr.
Or the queasy details

No, not the terribly private awful

…the public strange

don’t call a child molester “Teddy Bear” or put his face on your t-shirt

Ask instead–

How in God’s name…

Is his little sister?

Midland Standoff

Right now around Midland, AL families are shaken, two are in shock, one praying for their stolen child, the other mourning a hero.

My heart and prayers go out to these families, knowing one clings to hope, the other has lost a loved one.

I don’t know anything about Mr. Poland but I know he was brave. I thank God for him and all the others who stand to protect little ones…when it costs everything.

To Mr. Dykes I would say, please, let the boy go home safe and now.