Not etched in stone
A whore before dawn
But the kids are up… clothes on
Make them lunch… they’re gone
Sleeps until they’re home
Checks homework while dinner’s on
Cleans dishes… irons
Calls her sister’s home
”Watch the boys for me… please Dawn?”
She bathes… puts clothes on
Small purse with small gun
Out the door when sister comes
Home before the sun
Grateful she is home
Made it through another one
Didn’t use the gun
Cries ’cause she’s alone
Her life and her’s alone
Life not etched in stone
(Feature photo from stock royalty free image.)
DeWayne Alston, a Baltimore native, graduated from Baltimore City College High School. He is the owner of Soul City Media Network, LLC, the parent company for Soul City Radio for which he serves as the Program Director. DeWayne is an accomplished writer as well, self-publishing two poetry compilations and also serving as the Technology Editor for Baltimore-based lifestyle periodical RazorsEdge Magazine.