https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2024/04/30/photo-challenge-513/

Image credit Sarah Whiley

I would not walk there at midnight

Nor twilight… not even noontime

Certainly never in dawn’s light:

Its rays infinitely deceptive, with

Lovely subtle colors lifting hands

As though to welcome ones

Naive, down peculiar pathway–

There was a murder recently

Ghastly, what was done to teenage

Girl…such terror she must have

Suffered before the end came

Swiftly (I hope)

The slash across her throat

Prevented single scream–she

Was left there pale and naked

Clothes piled neat beside–

I knew her, I believe

Her laughter so free-falling…

And learning of her killer

I feared he’d come after me…

She was all of innocence

Pure heart devout unfeigned

It was early morning she

Was walking narrow street

To school, she tutored music

Students…sonatas called her

Name, made rosy cheeks glow–

But I was soiled with ignorance

Things I couldn’t tell…nothing

In my studies inspired me to excell–

There was no reasoning her death

Horror undeserved, evil violence…

Against acquaintance-fiend who’d slain

Her– I, un-cherished, talentless

Would not have stood a chance

©Lenna Boat, 2024