Song for Sylvia

(poem written to the prompt: “Radio”)

1965, late at night, tune out the static on transistor radio,

sneak into the kitchen, call in song requests

for the young girl in the news

Sylvia Likens, look her up, she has her own Wikipedia page

abused, tortured and killed by several boys and her foster mom

in the basement of an Indianapolis home

I used to wonder why God did not answer her prayers

and requested love songs in her name

so she would know someone heard her cry

Lovin’ Spoonful playing through the floorboards

“If you believe in magic come along with me

We’ll dance until mornin’ ‘til there’s just you and me”

8-27-2024