His mother would make him
kneel in the corner, with his face
to the wall until his knees got sore. But he
had to wait there until his father got home. And

she knew what he’d do, what little Jim was in for. He
could barely stand after kneeling all day on a hard
wooden floor. His legs gave way as he tried to
get up. But he must be brave. He wouldn’t

give the old man the satisfaction of fear as he took off
his belt and yelled “get over here”
He made him take all his clothes off – just like a slave
He whacked his back so hard it bled as if it were cut

by a razorblade. He buried his tear-streaked
face in the pillow and prayed to God he would survive
until the next day. There’s a reason these men go into
this profession – doctor heal thyself , a true confession