undettered

after you would
tease
your sisters
without mercy,
as boys
are prone to do
on hot summer days
without school,
your mother would
chase you, but you
were fast.
too fast.
think grey hound,
or field mouse
perhaps.
or a puma cat.
she would reach
out
with a broom
handle,
or a mop,
or a belt, but
it was unfair,
she had no chance.
she could only
sting you with words,
and threats,
but even those
fell flat
against your
ears. how well
those summers
have prepared you
for life.