Trusting Child

This was published in my university literary newspaper called, "The Shank's Mare" back in the spring of 1984. It was the first time I was published.

                              

If he knew about the darkness

If he knew about the lies

                                                Destruction rains upon the child

                                                Who turns his head and blinds his eyes

From people who would make pretend

Stab your back and act the friend

Treachery—a hollow shell

That is hidden all too well

Innocent, don’t be a fool

For there lurks a maggot who will

Take what’s yours and run away

Guard against deceptive play

Trusting child, learn to doubt

Or you’ll find yourself without

Beware the shadow’s hidden blade

Beware the sunlight’s warm façade.

                                               (1983)

Label: The Poems