Face Of True Evil
my seven year son old called
dad can you come over
I have something to tell you
when you get here
mom said it’s okay
hmm curious
but I never wanted to miss
any chance to see my kids
I was with a friend
so we drove to my ex’s house
and pulled in the driveway
my son came to the driver’s side
and as if on cue
before I could say or do anything
he said
I don’t love you
I never want to see you again
don’t ever come back here
don’t call me
I don’t want to talk to you
you never took care of me
no woman will ever have you
leave me and my brother alone
maybe not the exact words
but pretty near
and I went numb
my friend was stunned too
those weren’t my son’s words
and he didn’t even look at me
we were together a few days ago
I was the parent
who stayed home and raised him
for almost five years
special bond
constant companions
nothing but love and hugs ever
I called to him
as he marched back to the house
where the face of true evil
struck a pose
holding the door wide open
for her new little soldier
wanting us to see her
smiling
almost laughing
at her job well done
I could never have imagined
anything so sick
what had she done to my son
for him to do that
both of my sons were in that house
and I knew I would never stop trying
to help my children
because the face of true evil
is really really really ugly
—DL Madsen