Barbara Raimondo

B a r b a r a   R a i m o n d o

Hero of the Day

Like a cross burning and an intertwined KKK. 

Every time they hear his name, they will think about racism and how it destroyed his life. 

No longer am I a virgin. It was a rush, and I'm still licking my lips for more.

I do pray that the Lord search his heart. 

As far as any regrets, no, I don't have any regrets. 

If I could say something to him, I would let him know that I forgive him and then if he still has no remorse, I just feel sorry for him. 

Well, I did it. 

We forgave him. 

I'd do it all over again, to tell you the truth. 

We're praying for his family as well as our family, and for the citizens of Jasper.

I have no final statement.

In 1998, Lawrence Brewer and two others dragged a gentle man named James Byrd to his death. All lines in this poem, including the title, are from statements from Brewer and from Byrd’s family that were published in press accounts of Brewer’s trial, conviction, and preparation for execution.

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