Andy, Where Are You? I hope you are ok?©

Andy, Where Are You? I hope you are ok?©

Copyright 2014

By Felina Silver Robinson

Walking home I spotted you

Sitting in the rain upon the park stairs

No older than 17

I could not bear the thought of you sitting there

Colder than cold could be

Hiding underneath the tip of your hat

Sad and embarrassed

I nervously approached you

Not fearful of potential violence

But nervous you wouldn’t take my offer of help

I got you to agree to come with me

Into the warmth of my home with my family

In my heart I knew it was what I must do

With a daughter the same age

I would hope if she needed help someone would reach out to her

Your clothes, dirty, tattered and torn

I sympathized with what you must have gone through

No questions asked

But you offer an explanation

A mother’s battle with alcohol

Not in her right mind

You escape from her anger and her pain

Sent you running out into the cold

I was your refuge

You had a plan

A plan of turning 18 and enlisting in the Army

Upon that day

You sought out a recruiter

The next thing I knew

You were giving thanks and on your way

No day passes that you haven’t been on my mind

I wonder where you are and if you’re ok

What has become of the young man Andy

That I took in on that cold and rainy day

I hope you think of me too

Maybe one day you will find me

Just to let me know that you are ok

I only wish you well

I dream of your happiness

To make up for all the pain I know you suffered

May your life now be the one you had hoped for

Andy, Where Are You? I hope you are ok

◊ ♦ ♦ ◊ ♦ ♦ ◊ ♦ ♦ ◊ ♦ ♦ ◊ ♦ ♦ ◊ ♦ ♦ ◊ ♦ ♦ ◊

Andy, Where Are You? I hope you are ok©

Was written by Felina Silver Robinson

on Sunday, February 29, 2014

This is a story about a young man Andy that I took into my home when I used to live on Perry Street in Brookline. His last name I don’t recall as it was unusual.  He signed up for the Army on his 18th birthday in 2001 or 2002, and I haven’t seen or heard from him since.  I think of him every day and hope that he is ok. My wish is to find him so that I can just know that he is ok. God bless you Andy.