Caren Krutsinger Poet Free verse

My Uncle Is Dead

He was eight.
out of breath from running

My uncle died
he told me. 
I told him I 
was sorry

I asked him
when it happened.
He did not know.
"We haven't found
his body yet."

I asked him how he
knew his uncle was gone.

He and his mommy had
gone to uncle's cabin
on Saturday

They knocked and they
knocked.  When they gave 
up Mommy pointed to 
a dog dish

"See that empty dog
dish?" she said to her 
son.  "That dish is never
empty. Your uncle must
be dead."

His uncle was 
found alive and
well  later that day
but no one thought
to tell the 8-year-old.

As soon as I spoke to
his Mommy, 
I went to the classroom
and told the student.
It was a joyous time.

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Mark Toney May 27, 2018 at 10:23 PM Your work helping children must be very satisfying, Caren. Nicely done. Caren Krutsinger May 28, 2018 at 10:32 AM It is so satisfying that I have threatened to keep working even after they eliminate my position, and for free.

Line Gauthier May 27, 2018 at 10:03 PM Troubling but a lovely read. Thanks for sharing, Caren. Caren Krutsinger May 28, 2018 at 10:32 AM I wish parents and teachers would think before they use sarcasm on children.