deep in the jungle dog at my side mom calls us in for dinner THE TALK dad keeps stuttering bout birds and bees first date to the movies mom and dad seat two rows back mother licks her finger to clean my face all the guys snicker trying to be grown up dad heard me soap in my mouth mom and I race to clean our rooms winner gets ice cream I win scary movie nuzzled between mom and dad fast asleep school bully closes in before he speaks I empty my pockets dad got mad again mom lies about falling down the stairs stuck on the fridge dad shows everyone my masterpiece science project erupted on mom’s new rug long day at work still finds time to play catch paint on my new shirt mother smacks me hard

paying with bark I order a happy meal at dad’s truck bedtime stories mom’s funny voices paint my dreams curfew violation creek in the stairs grounded for two weeks ok mom … yeah got it alright mother! Home sweet home dirty shower mixed with tears he’s still inside her rustled sheets torn panties on the floor she cries out "NO!" frozen on her back wanting him to get off daddy’s little girl superman night light wards off the boogie man bedtime sleep over she touches me in bad places 4th grade spelling bee n-e-r-v-o-u-s lump in my throat slow fat target always chosen last for dodge ball dad’s head bobs to the radio he whistles while I sing