A block

A block the size of a city

with its street corners

governed by the do and do nots

Streetlights, signs,

right of way, stop

a block to prevent the way

a block to prevent getting through

a block saying

go the other way

we don’t want you

a block checked off

on admission paperwork

a block checked off

upon discharge

as a convenience for you.

hurts

Their pains

What are you but a corner

meant to be used to turn on

and push a way through.

You who released my child

saying he was through

You who said

he caused problems.

It was simply

inconveniencing you.

Directed to walk out the door

Walk away

Continue on

Go elsewhere

We don’t want you.

Can you not see

the game he played on you

Of course, a dog barks

when a door is broken into

No doubt a child cries when emotions seep through

Told he would be removed

Taken on as a simple how-to

So he challenged that promise

Tested your truth

Denying his own breakthrough.

Released without release.

Relieved without relief

The offered standard of care.

Because of you

Pushed away

No follow-through

Requests not heard

Although it was said

Pushed out the door

Without another word

No progress made

Regardless of

what may lie ahead

Nothing prepared

Just released

to give up a bed.

The mission statement read

Superior - quality - services

Words that stand out

Prefer-select-recommend

And what of those investors

seeking long-term results?

I am curious

how long their term is.

Note that I pass over

The idea this is a place

employees take pride.

Maybe ambivalence

is where you hide.

Vision and commitment.

You need your eyes checked.

These principles you speak of

This service of excellence

Is but a mere pinwheel

in your head

I sigh and continue

Heart stings

like a wasp with

the next few verbs

Continuous improvement

in measurable ways

I choke back the dare

Alas I return to the statement

Take a breath and gasp

As the past week, I recall

This employee development.

Ethical and fair

is not really what I would call it

A snarky thank you

for your “teamwork”

Covering for one another’s errs

As I plea for compassion

Beg for innovation

Just walk with him

All the way through

Days home

Instantly

Before any dust settles

A simple direction unfollowed

And what comes through

Regret

Then Argue

Hurt feelings follow

Fear of one

who once was in my womb.

And now from his arm

The abandonment drips

And now what to do

What to do

What to do

From a block

Just another bird to you

A bird

Just another bird

A block to check off

on the paperwork

Discharged successfully

by you

Returning to bandage

his life-threatening wounds

A block

What block will you now use

Will you admit your stance

at the corner

Preventing follow-through

Begging for help

I continue to cry

Inside

I feel I have already died.

For what do I do

What do I do

What do I do

Just another bird

Trying to fly through.

Who can remember the names

Of all of the birds,

they have seen

Or remember their stories

Their hurts

Their pains

Just another bird

Another block to check off

Standing on your corner

Insurance

has already paid his lot.

And so just another bird.

What is that to you?

Nevermind his mother

She calls out to fly over

Over the corner of the block

The block where you stand

Preventing him

From getting through

From feeling through

From following through

He is just another bird to you

And I,

I am his mother.

Birds were meant to fly over

Use the gifts God gave

Winged and abled.

Lack of commitment

clips his wings

Lies are like oil

soaking into his feathers

weighing him down

He cannot fly like this.

Just another bird to you

A medical record number

Meaningless issues

Regardless of impact

Just a paycheck for you

Someone is out there

I know there must be

Someone out there

Who recognizes Truth

A pesty pigeon can carry honor.

Clucking chickens and roosters are relied upon.

The unique ostrich

The often forgotten emu.

Feathers and wings

Not just ordinary for You

Special are they

Who seek Your refuge