Mindlessly
running
down roads
dark shadows
etched
witches fingers
gnarled stretched
ready
to ******
his
skinny child's body
and hide it
beyond the reach of
the sun.
Breathlessly
trying to outrun
the secret
life
of private parts
and  thief's touch
on rainy afternoons
and stifling evenings.
Hearing his
feet
on  gravel
like snapping
kitten bones.
Sweat droplets
tickling ears
long stifled tears
threatening to escape
dusty dry
eyes.
The muted raven call
silently
screaming
into the
afternoon sky
to a sunday school deity
to provide a place
where his
ruthlessly exposed  heart
and always
remembering
mind
could stop and rest
awhile.
Suddenly
dead
heart burst
memory erased
blood calmed
dry eyes
focused
no escape
from tomorrow
and tomorrow's
tomorrow.

Dennis Rowling
03.30.15