Phylicia Barnes (In Memorial @ 16)

(CLEVELAND) - On the 20th of April, 2011, two bodies were recovered near the Conowingo Dam by Maryland State Police. They are part of a tragic story of loss and human suffering that is not resolved, like so many others.

The following day one of the remains were positively identified through dental records to be that of missing North Carolina teen Phylicia Barnes, a 16-year old child who was last seen by her former boyfriend.

The Baltimore Police Department is now working jointly with the Maryland State Police to investigate the circumstances of her disappearance and subsequent death.

They want answers, and the hopes and dreams of this beautiful girl warrant the truth.

"We are still asking anyone with information to come forward and help with what may be a homicide investigation".

Baltimore Police added what is now possibly the most important aspect, to remember, please, "If you saw something, say something."

Phylicia Barnes

Alas another statistic the youthful Phylicia Barnes,
Sadly, another child we could not keep from harm,
Will we ever be able to avert another catastrophe?
Not long as there are clients who pay good money.

Human Trafficking is more prosperous than drugs,
And much higher than any street level gang or thug,
Neither can your average hard working 9 to 5 Joe,
Have free access to thousands of disposal dough.

Visiting a relative in Baltimore, December 28, 2010,
Was last seen alive by her half-sister’s X-boyfriend,
Last communication a text around noon on that day,
So far no clues on how, why or when she went away.

16 and she was pretty as a picture, sweet as apple pie,
From Charlotte, North Carolina, the question of why?
Child porno ring or sexual exploitation would deliver,
Discovery of her body 4/20/11, in Susquehanna River.

Help is needed for thousands of lifeless innocent teens,
Surely another heard the plea for help and her screams,
Autopsy reveled an untimely violent demise, homicide,
Therefore, at least one person was present as she cried.

FBI Special Agent Jacqueline Dougher & others agree,
A thorough search of evidence will uncover the mystery,
An, “Honor Student” who deserves more than silent lips,
Yes, there is someone who can provide police with a tip.

Your identity can remain anonymous whenever you call,
Remember, info is valuable no matter how big or small,
If you know anything why allow her death to be in vain?
Their car, house, building, the killer(s) must have a name.

By Luke Easter

Luke Easter is a poet who writes about things that are very close to the heart of Salem-News.com. Another former U.S. Marine, Luke heals the world with an approach that reaches people on a different level, one known for centuries, yet too often forgotten in the one we live in.

We live in a world of social & economic injustice. The main reason for founding America in the first place was to relieve the oppression of the King of England. Patrick Henry said it best, “give me liberty or give me death.” And yet, all too often death seems to be the only way out. Why is there such a high suicide rate especially among teens, in the land of the free & the home of the brave? What makes headlines? Good news? Ha! More depressing stories than anything else. I feel poetry takes an edge off the hurt of bad news while still delivering it but in a, “glitzy” sort of way. Giving a different perspective. Kind of like slap in the face as opposed to a knife in the back. At least with the slap you’ll live to see another day and you will know whom it’s from. I wasn’t here for the beginning of the world but at 59, I just might be here for the end.<

Even though it’s still a knife, rhyme poetry helps to dull the blade. And that’s my job. You can write to Luke Easter at: lyricsfromlucas@aol.com