dusk and us

too many of us

in the back of the bakkie

you are singing too loud

i am sitting on the lap

of justin

we never had a conversation

i think his name was justin

and the lights are shining, red

vodka bubbles in my head

red red on my face, I would like to

rest, go h o m e and rest,

but I'm sitting on justin

people are squeezing

under your singing, you sing so loud

in the packed

back of the bakkie

i am sitting on justin

i am singing along

i think his name was justin i am feeling alone.

It was dark and scary when it all happened. It wasn't good. I was taking a walk in the park. It was night time. It was a blurr. I just saw a man. I tried to run. I couldn't. My feet were stuck to the ground. I tried to screem, but my mouth was glued shot. He grabbed me.

When I woke up I was in this room. There were three more girls. we were tied up.

I saw one of the girls. She was praying.

"It is no use. Praying won't do anything." One of the girls was dressed in a black swetter. It was old and was starting to rot.

"It will I know it will." The girl who was praying seemed convinced.

"Dear Jesuse, I beg for your mercy. Please help me get home to my family." She started to pray out loud. The third girl joined in. So did the seacond. And then there I was praying to.

When we where done, we heard yelling and gun shots. All three of us ducked. then a man came into the dark room. We all were sacared. But the man who came in was a police oficer.

The next day we all woke up in our beds. Home sweet home.

If only, but your work is not done yet. Your ability to love is what's keeping the Ramirez family from splitting up. Can you imagine the five children in foster care?

Mrs. Yates would miss you terribly. Every time that you bring her her meals, you brighten her day. She's impressed that such a young child as you know the jazz standards. When you leave she's still smiling half an hour later.

Wouldn't you miss Cooper and Onyx? You've held them in your hands from when they were just two months old. As adult cats, I know that they would miss you. Mrs. Bannister is grateful that you help her with the litter box.

Besides, our Father asked me to ask you if you could stay, just a little longer. He needs your help down on Earth for a little while longer.

Now, I don't want you to be afraid, okay? The wind will push the house, which will push your body to the little island. When your head hits the sand, you will wake up. Just lie still. The hurricane is gone. The rain is going to stop soon. A helicopter will pick you up and take you to the hospital. Joaquin Ramirez will be in the bed right next to yours. He's going to be afraid, so play with him. His mom and dad will be there three days later. It's time to get back now. Did you know that you are one of the bravest eleven year old I know?

"Can we go home?" the kid asked. I started crying. We would never be able to go home. Nothing would ever be the same! We will always be running, always hiding! We will probably never find our parents. Anybody else we fine will either be evil or eventually die, and the world has ended! Everything I've worked for is gone. I heard a helicopter. "C'mon, let's go!" I pulled the kid up and we ran towards the helicopter. We were too late. It was already gone. But what it brought with it was not. "Can we go home?" the kid asked. "If we run!" I shouted.

While boarding her flight, Ashley was flashed the peace sign by a toddler.

Peace sign right back at ya, young padawan.

Ashley’s father always used the phrase young padawan to describe her. While some fathers might use daughter, or young grasshopper, or simply my kid, Ashley’s dad referenced Star Wars every time he was speaking to her or about her.

This toddler merely looked confused.

Her dad’s drawl greeted her upon touchdown.

“Young padawan, what’s the plan?”

(Always: what’s the plan. Not: what’s up? What’s happening?)

This time he meant it as: What’s the hold up?

“The plan is to come home.”

She wasn’t at a dingy airport, fresh off a flight for nothing. Now out of quarters to feed the pay phone, Ashley walked out into the tranquil summer air.

Young padawan was back.

She was home.