That’s me out here in the darkness
by the rusty ex-Texaco station
That’s me, ma, your son Frank,
who’s only bleeding
Frankie got on the wrong track, ma,
and Frankie got himself shot
And that’s why your son Frankie
is out here in the darkness bleeding
– James Steerforth ( © 2008 )
Written for One Single Impression No. 12: Bleeding, making reference to Bob Dylan’s It’s Alright Ma (I’m only bleeding) from Bringing It All Back Home (1965) and Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska (1982).
Steer Forth! 
Hurts the Mom, don’t it, when her boy goes on the wrong track. Great way to look at it. Was this about any particular historical figure??? hmmmm….
A great play on a great song. Nice work1
The understatement is very effective, James. This piece suggests so much about the loneliness and isolation of each of us and the sorrow when even ma doesn’t get it.
I thought some kind of Springsteen’s music behind this would be perfect as a I read it. I like your taste in music. Thanks for this.
How sad! He is so alone, just crying out for his mother. Conflicted emotions. Beautiful poem.
Such a sad poem. I feel the loneliness of it mixed in with the love.
I like the subtleness of it. More effective that way!
ravages of time
excellent reference to dylan and the boss…
The last dying breath of another son who broke his Mother’s heart. So sad.
This is so sad, James. But I love it. It has so much feeling! 🙂
..and a mom’s heart bled forever..thank u for sharing..