the leopard

you grew
up with a kid
named dexter.
he was always
double daring
everyone, and
taking chances.
he once put
a handful of
poison ivy leaves
into his mouth
laughed and said,
see, this won't
hurt me.
the next day
he was in
the hospital
and couldn't
breathe. you're
not sure whatever
happened to him
as time went on
and you parted
ways, but you
are almost certain,
like a leopard
with it's spots,
that he hasn't
changed.