David Whalen (5/18/38 / Covington Kentucky)

One little wide-eyed boy
One tiny bright-eyed bird
One new little “Red Ryder” bb gun
One tearful choked-back word

The word was “noooo! ! ”
Both a plea and refusal in one
A heart-rending realization of
A deed that could not be undone

“Sorry! I’m so, so, sorry! ”
Sobbed the sad little boy
As he watched once-bright eyes
Slowly glazing

Tiny head slowly drooping
Now dull eyes sightlessly gazing
But the die alas
Was coldly cast

Twas the first time in life
the boy had to bury something
But It would’na
be the last

Time passes
people change
Inexorably, we pass
from stage to stage

And little boys
with little toys
Begin to grow up (sadly)
and come of age