I didn’t know any kids in my neighborhood
so in my driveway I invented a game
that if I made enough shots in a row
I’d win the attention of the girl I liked
then after the game I sat on the porch
tired from a victory nobody saw
and noticed a lizard come out from the shade
I threw the ball and it struck its body
the ball bounced into the grass and was still
I ran to my father and cried for his help
Dad I don’t know why I threw it at him
he held the lizard and told me it was dead
listened to my futile cries of remorse
I asked my father What should I do
he asked me What do you think you should do
I went to the garage and got the shovel
then picked up the lizard afraid of its touch
we walked to the back and I dug its grave
my father returned to the weekend’s chores
I stood there and stared at the broken grass
—
Bradley Samore has worked as an editor, writing consultant, English teacher, creative writing teacher, basketball coach, and family support facilitator. His writing has appeared in The Florida Review, Carve, The Dewdrop, and other publications. He was named a winner of the Creative Writing Ink Poetry Prize. www.BradleySamore.com
