…
Michael
is ‘ix years old
on ‘Unday
he tells you
and is proud
today he rode a yellow school bus
big boy he laughs
and points to
himself
…
unused to kids
you smile and warm up
some Spaghettios
as he flips
channels all by
himself, you say
big boy he laughs
you laugh
…
he cries
and you leave
the kitchen
terrified
beyond reason
shocked to see him
fine, on the couch
tear-streaked but whole
he points
…
BreakingNews
…
kids
born a decade before
him are covered with blood
or sheets
or are clustered
together sobbing
in windows
yellow bus windows
and michael is
not laughing
as he asks
you
…
why boys
cry on pretty bus?
…
1999
