Alan Madden

(1975-1980)

Four policemen carry a small coffin

To a lonely grave in Quincy, Illinois.

The young body broken and beaten

Has freed spirit so stifled and abused.

A mother’s love twisted into frustrated hate

She struck and belittled him every day.

And James, her lover, who was trained to kill,

Bruised Alan’s body with his punches

Ruined his looks and damaged his organs

Kicked and hit him without provocation

To battle his own helplessness.

The school wouldn’t allow him in the class picture:

No one wanted to face the problem.

The caseworker didn’t have enough facts:

Laws guard the guilty as well as the just.

The entire town is here crying,

Tears salve the conscience full of shame.

All but Pam, his mother, and James,

Who face themselves behind bars.

Four policemen lower a small coffin,

Another precious life destroyed.