Dead Man Talking

[Lightning Rod]

Hester and Arcadia,

Thank you for your kind words. This hasn't been an easy few days for me. The whole course of events raises so many questions. Situations like this make us examine our values and beliefs and our actions.

Theda, you nailed my thoughts. I know that the ugly acts that Karl committed belonged to him, but I have asked myself many times if there was something I could have done to turn him around in his formative years. Was there something I could have said to him or done as an example to have possibly avoided a tragedy like this? I don't know. I'm making peace with those thoughts though.

Yes Arcadia, I have considered doing work in institutions using poetry. It's a little tricky though, because I try to avoid jails and police.

I haven't had an opportunity to talk to Karl's family yet. I'm sure that will help.

[Arcadia]

l-rod: yeah, tricky things happens but you look flexible enough!!!!!! best wishes!

[izeveryboyin]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It always hurts worse when it turns out to be someone you saw falling, but just couldn't save. I don't know what was in his heart about the crimes... and I don't know his past. It has never been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he was raped, so all I have is his word to go on, but I think that shouldn't really be an excuse for turning that kind of ugliness on someone else, and even worse, taking their life. But still, a murder for a murder doesn't solve anything. It won't make that girl less dead. It won't wipe the sight of a mother's naked, murdered body from a little boy's mind. And, forgive the frankness of this statement but, he deserved to rot in that prison. He deserved to sit the rest of his days in that cold, empty cell rotting for the pain he has afflicted on an entire family, and a small child, no less. He took someone's mother from them. There can be no greater crime against a person. This is starting to sound like an angry rant, so I apologize. I really do feel for yo in this situation. It is so hard... you must be conflicted on some levels, but certainly hurt... and I shouldn't be criticizing someone you lost right after you lost them. I hope that I haven't just poured salt in the wounds for you. I'll shut up now before I do anymore damage.

--k