Masetfully done!... by the master, himself.

Having just read Kate's comment, I find it interesting to share that I felt no real shock or contrast. There is already that familiar, yet grim undertone from the very beginning of your poem. Somehow, I am not surprised to find that quiet violence hiding in the conventional warmth of a home, because that's where it is found, sometimes. The descriptive strength of your piece really makes it effective.

Axilea

Poor Sweet Baby! I would so love to put my arms around him, shelter him from the evil and hug his pain away! HUGS! SC

Well done, Gene. As all have said, this is so accomplished: it's mere "matter of factness" with your uncluttered style, simply "telling it like it is" is partly where the power of conveyance lies, apart from the shock of what is delivered. It totally subverts our expectations somehow... like it reverses conventional gender role modelling in these kinds of power games. But yes... most definitely the scene-setting is what sets your poem up here. A universal "Ordinary Town" motif that smacks of home - THAT'S where the shock lies, of course... all too close to home, sadly. Brave you! xx

Wonderfully penned on such a sensitive subject
These things are happening more than people would like to admit, sad
Hope you have a good day
The Buzzard

sensitive subject matter explored delicately as well as dynamically ...

I will simply echo John Flannagan's review.. he said what I wanted to say but so much better than I could... excellent, my friend.

Myrna

Gene, you handled this tough subject with tender care...well done. I worked with a child welfare team for several years, and the reality is frightening

Carole~

This is a punch to the heart, so real and more than sad Gene.

Oh Gene, this one is so deep and depressing as if a truth is being revealed....

Be always safe,
Karen

Oh my Gene! This is exceptional writing, so subtle the truth sneaks up to surprise this reader! A dark topic,superbly written!

ONE OF THE TRAVESTIES OF YOUNG INNOCENSE IS DEPICTED SO WELL IN THIS WORK FILLED WITH EXCELLENT PHRASES AND IMAGERY THAT STRONGLY SUPPORTS YOUR THEME. THANKS FOR SHARING AND BLESSINGS.
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

What goes on behind closed doors and yellow window shades is sometimes something so grotesque that it wounds the soul and separates the victim from the normalcy of the out door world. Nicely penned once again.

NICE!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

Hmmm ... you write this as though you've experienced it firsthand Williamson. The insights are a little unnerving, (sorta like what you see on the news way too much these days) and the whole gist of it is remarkably palpable. Like dear Dawn said about the 'pit of your stomach.' I like the frugality of your lines; with this subject matter no need to go into detail.
You're good!
Well ... maybe better than good sometimes!
Ummmm ... maybe really good if you share some of the Scotch! (-:

Gene - Powerful poem. You created the idyllic setting so economically outside leading to the betrayal inside. " Even as you do to the least of these..."

Especially liked the imagery of:

and the thin ray of dust streaming
through a pin hole
in the yellow window shade,
- David

good one mean Gene, some babysitters can't be trusted

Such saddness when innocence is robbed.

Excellent writing sweet man..very well done indeed...leaving for a couple of weeks on medical business..stay safe and well..OK..Hugss
Love,
Chanti Lace xoxo

wow, strong write........abusers come in both genders........scars run eternal.......pax A

and the sickness of life as through what that pine hole sees piercing this little boy distraughts my senses in the realities of this world...
Peace, Love & Inspirations
Vickie

Everything here starts out as though a normal day in a home in America, ....and then you take us into this child's nightmare. I can't tell you, Gene how effectively written this is....or describe to you the feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach. You have done so well what it is you set out to do in this piece.

Gene, what little devil jumped in your ink tank? This is a delightful twisted story, a deceitful one by an accomplish author that can manipulate readers minds.
Very nice done!

Georg

I like the way you set this up in anytown USA. Excellent write.

Begins tranquil enough, and then "inside the house ..." - sheer terror. You hook the reader in and make them see, no matter if it makes them uncomfortable - which it should - a warning to parents to pay close attention to who is minding the kinds. Well done, Gene. So shattering -

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

ODG, I wasn't expecting this turn of events; truly a horror story. A baby sitter, who little ones trust? I praise you for exposing this immorality, Gene. How much more careful we must be for our children's safety.
Blessings and Love to you , friend- Micke

Gene,
The significance of the first stanza can't be overlooked, the detailed conventional setting, the external 'normality' (dangerous word) leads the reader gently and deliberately

...and inside the house...

well, a horror no one should have to experience, innocence violated.
You handle this delicately, maturely and with superb skill not just of expression but of sensitive thought.

John

a riveting expose of life that is all to true - to the point of being surreal for the many innocent young that are victimized every day -- young minds whose views of life,love, principles of right and wrong, morality, are suddenly shattered in a moment of lust from one they trusted -- peace and love my friend -- Jon Michael

Sad that this subject matter even exists to write about, but as always, Gene, your writing is fine. I step into the boys confusion and pain through your words. A delicate subject carefully handled. ~Elizabeth

Apt description superbly written with a message that almost every week I see articles in the paper about sex exploitation on the young and innocent.

Transparent and so very sad. Unfortunately it does happen sometimes..Thats reality, bad as it is....M

Heartshattering write; this shouldn't even happen to a dog! Well done, Gene; bravo!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <

The things that happen to children--and children never tell. It's too awful when it happens to ever recreate by telling anyone about, especially adults, who will reliably freak out and make everything that was already inexplicable and horrible, worse. A Genuine Terror of a poem, Gene...

Nicely written, Gene. God bless.