tragedy

by

another child’s grave…

another child's grave

tragic events
always
seem
to bring out
the
comparisons
how tough
things
were before
or
how good
someone
has it now
but
when it strikes
a child
we
retreat from
our
usual
self-pity dialogues
and
question
life’s fairness
we compare
our
childhood
with
the one
this child
will
never have
asking
why
what has this child done
that
all of heaven
has
forsaken them
there’s
never
a suitable answer
just
the old
god
works in mysterious ways
or
it’s his will
neither
ever addresses
the real question
why a child
and
not those
who brought
about
the child’s death

 

 

by

a failure to communicate…

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.