Missing Children

(Michael Timmons)

We only see them briefly
perhaps just one addition
their end of year photo stares out.
We only see them briefly
then mugging politicians
cockeyed, their faces stare out.

But for some their image still burns bright
like the glow of a tyger or a light
switched off, but once stared at
with such intense concentration.

We only see them briefly
then it’s idle conversation
their perfect frozen bodies surfacing.
We only see them briefly
then it’s fear and degradation
their dusty, bloodied bodies lie limp.

But for some their image still burns bright
like the glow of a tyger or a light
switched off, but once stared at
with such intense concentration.

And what shoulder and what art
could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat
what dread hands and what dread feet?
What the hammer? What the chain?
In what furnace was the brain?
What the anvil what dread grasp
dare it’s deadly terror grasp?

We only see them briefly
then it’s shame flagellation
their end of year photos stare out.

When the stars threw down their spears
and watered heaven with their tears
did he smile his work to see
did he who made the lamb make thee?

We only see them briefly
then reach to change the station
their frozen perfect faces stare out.