Grubby thumbs, bubble gum, and tire swings
set the stage for recess- Our turn to teach.
Sean’s sitter had shown him some algebra.
Keith knew what sex was. Hazel had met God,
and Em could map the local ghost’s hide outs.
Me? I shared my expertise on hatred-
Shattered glass, gravel-voiced screams, holes in walls,
curses, threats, and explosive desires.

Our fledgling thoughts have since been expanded
by physics, intimacy, struggling prayers.
Now, I know silence, disgust, disinterest,
the callous hissing of, “You’re so stupid,”
the sentiment, “Can’t I just throw you out?”
followed by, “Nah, I won’t even bother.”