It is
Four weeks
Since the attack

He lies wearily
In his
Hospital bed

One hundred and twenty-eight pounds
And a
Cratered skull

Remnants of
The despicable act
Of four dispossessed boys

He has fought
Off death
Beaten pneumonia, and pancreatitis

Yet another
Serious operation
Still looms.

Two detectives
Appear in his room
There to seek his view

On what penal measures
Should be imposed
On his four assailants

“I want them punished,
but within the law,”
He states

“I don’t
want their lives
to be ruined”

He is
The only
Person
Since the assault
To propose
Such compassion

The detectives
Are firstly stunned
And then moved.

They know
A real hero
When they see one.