the rules

the teacher
takes you to the front
of the class
and raps
your knuckles
with a ruler.
now spit out
that gum she says,
making an example
of you,
but you refuse
instead you
blow a giant
bubble
which sends
laughter
through the room.
this is something
you won't
easily forget
as your life
unfolds and you
keep trying to
bend or defeat
the rules.