Six years old, only
child: I did not understand
your family's dire
poverty; nor had
been taught compassion. God curse
my parents' money-madness.
Kyakuchuu
aka
J-Called
[*/+/^]
Author's Notes/Comments:
In the fifth line, the last two words are not a blasphemous expletive, but a theological prayer. I realize the additional line violates the classic Tanka form, but I cite Saito Mokichi's rare use of an additional line, and have adjusted it to suit my purpose. The violation of form is not nearly as important as confessing this childhood wrong to an innocent girl who had done nothing wrong to me. Although I know Christ has forgiven me, the memory of this act in my personal history will haunt me until it is released in death.
