Ties that Bind

Blessed be the ties that bind
Hands of criminals behind,
The ones who prayed with boys
As toys for their own private use.

These boys were “saved.”
Into the night.
Preyed on while praying.
Collars so white.

Men of cloth, even now,
These saints who took a holy vow,
Pardoned by the Diocese
Not punished – but then set free.

Freedom bought at what cost
For more lives are there to perish,
With cherished childhood gone and lost
To memories that will never vanish.

Poem and illustration by RKO Ⓒ2011 All Rights Reserved