the rubber band contest

we had a contest once

shooting rubber bands across

the room

to see who could

knock a paper

cup over that was

propped up on a chair.

i tried and tried,

shot after shot.

missing.

missing, wide left, wide

right.

too high.

too short.

not coming close.

she took one rubber band,

squinted one eye,

aimed and fired.

and down the cup went.

game over,

she said,

then stood up

and dropped the mike.