Eternal nose pimple, or so it seemed,
and rank shock of parents’ imperfections.
Deepening voice which used to shrilly scream,
and friends’ judgments taking new directions.
But most of all brain plummeting to balls,
rise of heated feelings growing senseless,
classmates’ bodies suddenly sensual
as even Mable Mumford turned goddess.
Caring teachers’ classes fell to prisons,
each homework task deemed an execution.
Comrades’ offhand remarks ripped pained lesions
demanding your fistful restitution.
And after all this, how we felt maligned,
forced to stand in unjust confession lines.
Roger Armbrust
October 2, 2009
