this poem is a loosely written, unpublished one from a couple months ago – it’s just called teenage:

piggy back ride, down to the corner store,
couldn’t ask for very much more,
buy a cheap fizzy drink with a couplefew dollars & quarters
& the bubbles tickle our nose

because the earth is ours,
where nature never ceases to grow,
& the guard rails of road construction
directs you & me – & O,

the bicycles bought
from garage sale lots,
& your brother is
building his design

& your sister is
learning makeup
& your mother is
buying us some red wine

& your playing card free association
& your favorite music station

& all the elders are telling you my Love is a temptation
& the biology teacher says this is how things bloom

yes we’re fondling each other’s bodies in your room
& we’re milking every drop from our youth
yes we’re losing ourselves in your bedroom
& we’re winning Life – you adults know it’s the truth.

xox