In Memory of Rita Hester

by Nancy R. Nangeroni

Skating late last night 
I retraced the vigil path 
Found two candles burning on Rita's step 
So I added one more 
and wondered how it felt 
to feel the knife strike so close to home.

They called her a man 
Called her a transvestite 
They said she lived a double life 
But we know better 
We know the truth 
We know why Rita died.

I still hear your mama's cries 
Haunting the canyons of my mind 
You were just too much girl 
For somebody else's world

I gazed into the windows 
of the bar where you were last seen 
I searched each patron's eyes for signs of guilt 
I heard again your mama cry 
"Who took away my child?" 
echoing off canyon walls of brick and steel

I still hear your mama's cries 
Haunting the canyons of my mind 
You were just too much girl 
For somebody else's world

I still hear your mama's cries 
Haunting the canyons of my mind 
You were just too much girl 
For somebody else's world

Chris PaigeTDOR