The number on my calendar screams your time is getting near

And as I sip my morning tea, I say another little prayer

I think again of October 12, when you’ll be shuffled to your end

Not the nephew whom I used to tickle; but someone whom I can’t defend

There was so much that I never knew, I guess I was too blind to see

Abuse was your childhood companion, and it never set you free

You learned to hate too early and things went from bad to worst

Till you lost all hope in love, and revenge became your only thirst

I see a picture on my mantle, of little Donald on a trike

Smiling through two missing teeth, I recall what you were like

A blonde haired, blue eyed tow head child so quiet and withdrawn

So long ago I held you close….in a California dawn

Another shot at nine or ten, smiling but was it all just a lie

Oh why, oh why could not I see, past the hurting in your sigh? 

Was that just a phoney smile, to disguise vile, abusive acts?

Your family and the world now knows, the truth gave up the facts

One last school picture, now I see the anger I ignored

Not long before you left home, we thought you just got bored

Another tear runs from my eye wondering if you ever think of me

I say another little prayer for you, take another sip of tea

A body of a dead youth died bleeding, crumpled in a pit

Soon your name became the news…a guilty verdict they made fit

Now alone you sit and count the stars, you refuse your families hope

You decided you must walk alone, its how you say you need to cope

I read about you in the news now, even on the internet

My heart still misses you and memories I can't forget

I hear you found comfort loving Jesus, as a companion and a friend

I’m glad at least I’ll know he’ll be there for you til the end

So I sip another sip of tea, and I’ll take more time to pray

You’ll face the price you have to pay, for the life you took away

And I’ll always remember in my heart, the little Donald I loved so

The Lord will grant forgiveness, I’ll meet you on the other side,

….when my time comes to go.