In the spring
I was nine,

And only knew important things.
Like
Kenny Yates is a bully
Big dogs bite harder
The Bullen boys flip up girls skirts
The late melting snow of the gully
Will slurp up your boots.
So I stood at the edge.
Don’t go with strangers.
Trust all your neighbours.
But
Don’t
Take candy
From Mr. Sanders.
I was
Bored with Barbie
Done with Nancy Drew
Ready to slurp up life.
But
Standing safely on the edge
I waited for permission.
I waited.
I watched,
I wanted;
I wasted.