The Retort

Jelani, Daniym, Shabukah and Wendell
Duranie, LeShaun, Misael and Bernard
Omani, J'wa, Rasheem, Charles,
and many others--

Violent offenders and rapists, 
victims of violence and rape.
How naive to view them as children.
How childish to hope to “fix” them.

Vivid memories of more than faces, 
each individual expression 
and nuance of defiance.
The rhythmic Crucian fragments
thrust out like AK47 fire:

“Aywa! me an' no keer.”  
 “Ge' me vexxed and see.”
“Fageisha muttascon!”
Safe?  
“Seyf.”