how I became a poet

When I was in fourth grade

they tried to teach me violin

but I was called a sissy

I put down my case and fought

When I was seventh grade

I wanted to play French horn

but trombones were cheaper

I knew all the troublemakers

and band secrets

I’d laugh and would not snitch

When I was in tenth grade

the band director told my father

they had no place for me

I had a voice and could sing;

they could not take that away

but ego is a consuming fire

I quit in college and never went back

Now I use a pen, a notebook, a napkin

or sometimes just my phone

and no one tells me what I can’t do

3-4-21