Outside of Vons
Gabrielle and I crouched behind her dad's Plymouth Duster
sharing Ding Dongs
with chocolate smeared on both our chins and noses
Her Dad wore a frown as he
dragged me in to say sorry to the manager who made me walk
around in shiny handcuffs
He grabbed the microphone announced my story

No longer drawing on the wall or pooping in the trash can
A three-year-old red-handed thief and anyone could guess

Someday I'd get
Kicked Out
Kicked Out of Kindergarten

I started school
saw the principal for crimes like blowing bubbles in milk or
having mud fights or spitting on blonde braided Karen Edwards
"Next time you'll get swats," he growled I'd be good for a week.
Until one day, the red... plastic box said "pull" I had to pull it
The ringing bells poured kids out every building

The office lady cried out "There's a family that's burning
While all the fire trucks race here to douse your false alarm."

That day I was
Kicked Out
Kicked Out of Kindergarten

Is it my genes?
Or some faulty wiring in my head?
Maybe mom skipped church one week when she was sixteen
and I'm her punishment

All through my schools
Every teacher knew my name on the first day of class
I learned the paddle hung on the office wall was not symbolic
At ten voted president but then impeached for a peace
sign I flashed in the 6th grade panoramic student photo
I got 3 days to contemplate my outlook

My Mom told me repent and read The Miracle of Forgiveness
But how could I start fresh and join upright society?

I knew I was
Kicked Out
Kicked Out of Kindergarten