I had the misconception
that given the gift of reflection,
our kind did not kill children.
That along with evolution
came a firm resolution
to protect the young,
not kill them.
I thought we had agreed
that despite most dire need
we would not
kill our children.

"Why did they shoot Tasha, father?"
"They hate us, little Alexi."
"They hate Tasha?"
"Yes."
"Why? Tasha's a good girl."
"Yes ...she was."
"I hate them father."
"Yes. Hate them, yes."

It was my mistake, I see.
We never did decide
to refuse to use
as political tools
the children of the world—
or if we did, we’ve forgotten.
as we will forget Tasha--
all of the dead children
become old news,
only old news.