the house smelled of
oatmeal
and burning wood
mom sat in front
of an old tv
watching “Search for Tomorrow”
while dad mowed the lawn
i sat in my room,
peering out the window
at the next door
neighbor girl
long, curly blonde hair
washing her car
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
my door exploded
and dad was yellin
“Where is the money,”
and i knew he meant business
“i don’t know”
and i got the paddle.
….
i bought her an ice cream
for the next 10 days
at school
she asked if wanted to sit
but i refrained
your a sweet boy
she said with a smile
