Catholic School (For Thomas)

All of this happened, more or less
sister double chromosone
picked me up by my arm
slung me around
like a doll

All of this happened, more or less
said Kurt Vonnegut
the force of the blow
pushing me against her dress

Breakfast of Champions

I didn't do good at math - I don't know why
Every day I starved
A bully stole our lunch money

I remember my friend and I would play
Sticking stems into holes on the ground
watching little doodlebugs bite down
Make the other one die

The doodlebugs
that fought hardest
live on to spring
and that southern anthem sings

Sometimes the weak
Can become the strong