like dropping a coin
words are but a lover’s wish
for hearts to be heard
having had
a very
difficult day
at
work
i stopped by
aunt bea’s
i
needed
to end my day
with
a civilized conversation
as i conveyed
to aunt bea
how
a colleague
had
responded
to
my requested
input
aunt bea
smiled
and
said
it seems
to me
these days
that
when someone
solicits assistance
with
something that
they’re
vested in
they’re generally
asking
for
confirmation
of
what
they did
not
how it
might
be
better
a noisy room
attempts
at
conversation
fragments
of
words
and
thoughts
flutter
into the ether
vanishing
without a trace
no doubt
seeking
a suitable mate
or
an appropriate time
to
exit
stage right
out of the spotlight
and
into something
more
comfortable
walls of sharp silence
surround their conversations
protecting their doubts
without one word aired
the volley of cold stares said
impenetrable
now you know
aunt effie
don’t miss a beat
when it comes
to the music of
this neighborhood
so when she tells you something
honey
take it as gospel
and if social service
had any sense at all
they’d have
her
on their payroll
anyway
let me tell you what she said
today
social service made one
of those unannounced calls
after the school reported
that JJ was going to commit suicide
cuz’ of all the beatings he’s been getting
well
guess who answered the door
you got it
mr restraining-order himself
but the county worker didn’t know
he ain’t allowed to be there
and can’t check
cuz’ her fancy computer
ain’t got one of those
communication cards
so she’s blind in the field
walking around in a room full of lies
tapping her white cane questions
on the soft surface of deception
which gave back only mellow sounds
like some disney movie soundtrack
so she leaves
after talking to all the parties involved
thinking things are as sweet as honey
and after she leaves
JJ hangs himself
i was as angry as hell
but aunt effie said
child with all the children
they got to watch
the best they can do
is a courtesy call
This poem was inspired by a story in the LA Times by Garrett Therolf “Child Agency’s Woes Persist” (Sunday, July 25, 2010). I encourage you to read his article and consider how similar stories may be impacting your community.
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