A Directional Curse

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Should 4 kids have all the attention? There are so many that suffer fates, that seem worse then death itself...the fear, the pain, the loss of all that could have been. Still, in other people's stories we find the meaningful source of all humanity. We view a cross section, a small offering. I say let us remember even those we have never heard about. This recent U.S. trial of great and varied emotion was worth listening to. The ugly beast didn't blink or show any spark of emotion, but why would it, having gone to such efforts to inflict such horror and shatter so many lives. I listen to honor those lives and even those we don't know. God knows! God sees! God remembers! Vengence is God's!

A Directional Curse The first time I heard “Go to hell.” where it seemed not just an aimless curse but a direction. The empty soul in bright orange; couldn’t miss him, but they aim to. No emotions, just a fly on the wall on sticky tape. He can’t escape the familys’ words - they will be heard. One father moved the lectern to face the beast, to chastise him to his face. One mother preached with scripture keepsakes leaving his fate to God. One day can shatter so many lives; temporal tears will be wiped away by God. We don’t teach our kids to say, “Go to hell,” except to send the devil back where it belongs.

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Karen Jones

Date: 7/25/2025 8:22:00 AM

Your poem and poet note is a wonderful sample of your empathetic passionate heart Kim! I was fully engaged and though I can’t recall when I first heard the phrase “Go to hell” I seem to remember it most powerfully when victim families are in court and they give an impact statement to the accused perpetrator. Your poem is like a war cry for that to me! Well done!

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 7/25/2025 9:37:00 AM

It is a sad cry, more than an emotional cry…it is a cry for justice. Thank you, dear one! Hugs

Joe Dimino

Date: 7/25/2025 7:45:00 AM

My heart bleeds sorrow for those families. We have the power to change all of this...but it requires all of us working, praying together. We have the God given power. Great poem as usual. You write nothing insignificant. Blessings.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/24/2025 7:29:00 PM

I think I was about 7 when I first heard Go to H. 7 months, that is. Not much these virgin ears didn't hear growing p...

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 7/25/2025 7:23:00 AM

Yes, we all hear things after a while, robbing us of our innocence. This particular Go to H seemed apropos, though I do not wish that on anyone.

Sara Baker

Date: 7/24/2025 5:17:00 PM

the after effect can be more damaging, I think. I was 18 the first time I heard "Go to Hell." My roommate was directing at me, of course. I'd never heard that phrase going up and certainly not delivered with such animosity. I guess I never forgot it...not a phrase I like to use or hear even now.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 7/24/2025 5:28:00 PM

I agree. The sentencing it was quite apt, sadly so.

Abdullah Alhemaidy

Date: 7/24/2025 11:45:00 AM

Great poem!

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 7/24/2025 11:46:00 AM

Thank you, Abdullah!

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 7/24/2025 11:04:00 AM

Dear Kim, One day can shatter so many lives. You honor not just the pain, but the aftershocks, the attempts at healing or revenge that come wrapped in ritual and words. “Go to hell” isn’t something we teach our children, unless it’s to banish something truly evil. That twist, both defiant and sorrowful, lingers. Summer Blessings, Dear Kim, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 7/24/2025 11:48:00 AM

Phew…sigh…I hope this poem, in some way honors them. God bless you! Happy Summer and thank you for reading!