The Neighborhood

I know we love to read of beautiful things Hear early morning serenades the song bird sings See buds blooming into roses perfumed Within majestic sunset's horizons become consumed There's another place I lived in for a little while A neighborhood where somethings didn't make me smile A child banging on the door, mommy let me inside Things in the home, I guess from his eyes they must hide I befriended a boy of ten riding his bike Said he always went to me-maws to get a bite For there was no food in his house to eat Dad found other things to buy instead of meat A few days pass, no sign of my friend There he was riding down the street again I asked where he'd been, was he alright? He explained he was recovering from a bad dog's bite I asked him what the doctor had said He replied, I sewed it myself with a needle and thread I reluctantly said, let me see your nice sewing job He pulled up his pant leg, I choked back a sob I asked him if his daddy was ever mean He shrugged his shoulders, said sometimes it seems It kinda hurt my feelings when he said to me Finish him off - right between the eyes I won't feed a dog that bites Not worth the ground where he lies Sitting on his bike, a leg began to sway Eyes filled with tears, quickly he wiped one away Remembering the killing shot he'd fired that day Toughen up son, is what his father said Advice given in love, maybe.... Then off on his bike he rode to have some fun... I know in some places many families still really care But Mayberry exists only on TV in shades of gray I moved back to the country where buds bloom into roses perfumed And into majestic sunset's horizons I can be consumed ©Donna Jones