Ballad of the Wayward Child

<p><strong>Come Over Here</strong></p><p>In the opening tale to Keven Renken's novel in stories BALLAD OF THE WAYWARD CHILD six-year-old Ike wanders off his grandmother's porch in search of adventure but steps into something horrible. In each subsequent story Ike is a year older and more aware of the role fear plays in his young life. Along the way however he also finds unexpected moments of bravery encountering a colorful cast of characters who accompany him on his way toward adulthood. As he grows Ike's early trauma lurks in the background like a shadow waiting to make its presence felt time and again. But each time the boy now becoming a man finds a way through sorrow and joy through triumphs and failures to live his life as best he can. He finds a way to live.</p>