By KAREN HAUCK

I saw him walk down that dimly lighted street,
And into an alley he strode.
I saw him move slowly, carefully, neatly
And continue on down the road.

His movements were smooth much like a cat's
He looked all around in the dark.
Occasionally he hid behind barrels and vats,
And behind him he left not a mark.

His long dark‑brown hair was shiny and smooth;
The tips hung over his ears.
It fell in his face whenever he moved;
In his face you could see silent fear.

His navy‑blue coat pulled tightly around
And his arms folded tightly across,
I didn't know where he was going or bound,
Or if he had been through a great loss.

His shoes scuffed softly across the pavement;
His deep brown eyes seemed concerned.
He hurried along, his form slightly bent,
And around the corner he turned.

Then I understood why he was afraid,
And why he had taken such care,
Behind him there came an enormous parade
Of teachers to cut off his hair!