consent

i'm a friend, he said. you'll never be alone.

but you're big, and am small, he whimpered.
everyone hates me!

Shush! you have me now, he assured.
i love little boys!

are you bigger than the other kids, he asked.

do you want to see me, he pried.

can i, he asked. can i really?
but you're so far.

oh, am not so far.
just open the window i send you.
then, i can see you too, he prodded.

but mama said i mustn't, he protested in a small voice;
eyes aglow with artificial brightness.

oh don't worry, he said winking,
what mama can't see, mama won't know.
you want to see your big friend, right?

hence coerced, he opened the webcam window,
inviting him into his life.

what followed next wasn't decent,
the little boy was no more innocent.

for he was too young,
to refuse consent.