NETHERLANDS SACRIFICE: MR. DON MATHIS

In a heavy mist,
a man carries a box
from his car
to the steps
of the State office.

He arranges toys
under the overhang.
The light rain
highlights the pain
of his damp duty.

These are gifts
bought for his child
he was never allowed
to see. He sighs,
bites his lip, cries.


This is good-bye.
Seasons of legal battles,
thousands of Euro-Dollars,
years of tears
have produced naught.

The megaphone squawks feedback.
He speaks to blank windows
his longing for his child,
his reasoning,
his resignation.

His protest is effective
but his posturing is in vain.
The love for his child
will always remain.