Boo and Scout
She
blunders in
all grins and scarred knees
hair askew
living out loud
Like a mockingbird
singing life right into its face
cynicism wrapped in independence
She is aware
that he lives amongst the shadows
on the edges
In him she sees the innocence before
he was touched by malice
He
Hides his intellect and stifles his song
concealed in a place where safety reigns
beneath the porch
his curtains drawn
He gives her
gifts
wrapped in plain paper
tied in brightly colored ribbons
precious jewels
Hints of what is possible
Then squeezes his eyes shut tight
in hopes she'll go away
He teaches her
to be still
to need
to be a girl
She hums along
to his special song
memorizing his words
wishing him into the light
She worries
That her force will frighten him
into retreating
So speaks to him from the porch steps
Lowly, gently
Come on out Boo
He feels her warmth
wants to touch the life force
but shies from her caress
remembering lessons not quite learned
Come on out now Boo, it's safe here on the steps
Come out
Let me hold your hand
And we'll listen to the music of life together
not yet Miss Finch
not quite yet
but maybe soon
© Tonia Collinske 12-07
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