Shondra's Night

(Writer’s Note: The inspiration for this poem came from a story that I previously wrote entitled “The Shondra May Mystery”. Like the story, I hope the poem will help to keep Shondra’s name fresh in the minds of those who might still be able to help in finding her abductor. There is no certainty as who or how Shondra was abducted and killed. The insinuation in this verse is reflective of the beliefs of many familiar with the case. - WB)

The drizzling cold rain drops of an early February night

Wipers clearing glass to follow the beam of headlights

Off to work the evening shift; a part-time job situation

Just enough for pocket jingle in the form of compensation

A slow night at the counter; the manager says “clock out”

Linger a bit and hope for busy, then off on the home route

A quick stop at the local variety store; a Valentine’s affair

A note of affection, a card for the boyfriend to know “I care”

Rain still drizzling down; a chill lingers on the night wind

Run to the car and crawl inside; headed home once again

Very few cars on the road; a lonesome, rainy night

Thoughts of home, little things, passing time in mental flight

Lights in the rearview, move up close yet do not go around

Following so closely northbound on the highway out of town

A queasy feeling in my stomach, the lights as bright as can be

A fear slowly rising inside, could those lights be following me?

Almost safely home now yet the bright lights remain behind

Following so close as I turn off the highway as if by design

Then suddenly blue lights are flashing; signaling me to pull over

I move the car slowly to the side and park it on the shoulder

I look closely in the rear-view, it’s someone that I know

I will just walk back to his car; my license then I will show

As I walk to the blue lights, he motions for me to get in

Now I’ll be late getting home; will this night ever end?

Then things go odd, as he places the car into reverse gear

Where we going I ask; He says “some place away from here”

“Please, I cannot” I reply; “I’m late; my mother will worry”

“Never mind” he says, “plenty of time; no need to hurry”

Off we race with light flashing through rainy drizzle of the night

Off to some unknown dark place ; my heart is filled with fright

As I stare across at the familiar face that I have long known

I wonder if I will ever again see my mama and my home

The fears of that night are over now; years come and gone

My body rests in in its grave; my killer’s name yet unknown

But my spirit cries from the dark pointing to his murder role

Praying that my name forever rests upon his tortured soul

Mississippi’s cold, rainy February nights pass year on year

Still the question of over 25 years goes unanswered here

Somewhere out there a killer lingers in a case gone cold

out there a gray-haired killer fears that one day his is told

©Copyright WBrown2012. All Rights Reserved.

6 August 2012