Authority

The father begs his son to accept

what the father is about  

to protect. The son is crying,

barely able to stand. His hands shake. 

The father declares he would do anything.

There is blood on the son's shirt

and shoes. On the legs of his trousers.

He whispers that he cannot feel.

The father asks permission to take charge.

The son nods. The father knows

a good attorney. The son, throat quivering,

leaves home to begin again.

His father texts in fear. Just making sure.

The son does not reply.

In near distance, a dog barking,

the sound of a railroad train.