SIMON S s Haiku #39 Disinfectant clean Once defined his passion; Now it’s engine grease. H h Tanka #15 His heart was closed off, Devotion to his sister Was his obsession. Nothing would get in his way; He fought hard, she won. T t Tanka #16 Being proper was Him showing her his respect. In the black it counts More than she would like it to; He shows what he cannot say. T t Haiku #40 He cannot have what She offers; he must defend His damaged sister. H h Haiku #41 He’s fastidious, It puzzles him why her feet Are not offensive. H h Tanka #17 He’s lonely and scared, Nothing in his life is left Except for River; His beautiful, talented, Troubled, sweet little sister. T T Haiku #42 No one understands; His life is over as far As he can foresee. H h Tanka #18 There is a lightness In his heart. An engine room: Dirty, greasy, open. The exact opposite of Where he would choose for their tryst. T t Haiku #43 She shakes in his arms, He cries with her pain; knowing He can do nothing. H h Haiku #44 The bullet hit him And he saw her becoming Now his protector.