Get in the Nice Man's Van

FROM THE TOTS’ APOCALYPSE:

GET IN THE NICE MAN’S VAN

by Brett Rutherford

See the blue van
behind the playground?
Nice van. It smells
like cinnamon and candy.

If you like toys,
and candy bars
(the big ones!)
and some days even
an energy drink,

a hand comes out
from the cool dark
inside the van,
eyes and a smile

“I’m Jeffrey.
Here, have a sample.”

Three days you come back
and there’s always more.
You even go inside
for a free comic book.
He wants to know
your favorite,
for next time. 

He asks, “Do you have
a sister, maybe?
Is she pretty?
Next time, bring her.”

Get in the nice man’s van.
It’s really cool in there,
and there’s a box
from which you can take
whatever you want.

He tells you stories
about running away.
Lots of kids do it,
especially the ones
where someone at home
is always hitting them. 

So, get in the nice man’s van.
Rescue your sister, too.
Candy and comics,
and you might get to go
to an island.