Kathryn Collins Poet Blank verse

Black and Blue

Black and Blue

Ma, Jimmy knocked me in the head;
don’t tell his mama – I’ll be dead.

My eye is black; my elbow bruised.
Please kiss them both (tween me and you.)

I cannot go to school again;
he said he’d kill me, what then?

Oh mama, mama I don’t want to die
and be with Grandpa in the sky.

I loved my Grandpa; he was the most;
but really mama, I’m not lookin’ to be toast.

Look, it’s Jimmy’s ma and Jimmy
walking awfully slow.

He kicked the dirt and rubbed his eyes;
he didn’t look so bold.  

He didn’t look so tough now with tears and trembling lips
with reddened eyes and runny nose; he couldn’t get a grip. 

He said I’m sorry; would you be my friend?
I’ll never hit you, never again.


P.S.  This was written before all the school shootings when life was simple and we just beat each other up.

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Stephen Kilmer December 3, 2013 at 12:13 PM Love this one. Brings back memories of my school days. The Postscript really brings it home. ~Kilmer

Terry O'Leary October 29, 2013 at 3:00 PM Dear Kathy, Your PS made me laugh (at the irony)...anyway, the poem itself is so amusing too, and you've rhymed which I don't think you usually do... I love it all... Love, Terry

Poet Destroyer A October 29, 2013 at 9:19 AM Kathryn, kind of heartfelt. I wish all bullies could meet Jimmy's mom... enjoyed the rhyming couplets... xox~ LINDA

Laura Breidenthal October 27, 2013 at 11:40 PM Wow...this really got me thinking, especially after your post note there. Always, Laura

Keith Bickerstaffe October 27, 2013 at 9:07 PM Excellent flow with rhyming couplets. I remember those days... and wish that life now was not so brutal and complicated. A timely and essential piece. Well done dear Kathy! Love, Keith. (PS thanks for your lovely comments on my work.)

Jack Horne October 27, 2013 at 1:15 PM lovely write, Kathy - and, yes, if only life could return to simpler, more innocent times

Daver Austin October 27, 2013 at 10:54 AM Love it, Kathy. LOve kid stuff because I was a depression baby when things were simple and kids were free and always in need of a bath.. I never had any fights. I was too chicken. Love, daver

Andrea Dietrich October 23, 2013 at 9:33 PM This is very nice, and I love what you said in the note at the bottom. Yes, I remember those days when all we had to worry about was one meanie in the playground. but now it's all sexting and posting things to cause a scandal and worst of all, the mass murders. Great seeing you here today, my friend.