Author: Bob Bradshaw
Location: California
Bob is a programmer living in Redwood City, California. Recent work of his can be found at
Eclectica, Pedestal Magazine, Mississippi Review, Lucid Rhythms and
American Poets Abroad.
The Bully
"I'll whip you with one fist
behind my back," he shouted.
His mother worked the night shift.
Frank smelled like sour milk
as he leaned into my chest.
He was heavy, like the door
of a busted
frig.
Frank yelled, "You got the guts
to fight?
Or are you wearing a tampon?"
The other kids laughed.
He poked his finger
into my chest and held it
as if it were a dike
he was protecting.
Scared I walked away, and Frank
trailed after me.
"Can't fight, Bradshaw?
You on your period?"
I wasn't sure what a period was.
I blushed and when I glanced back
Frank was still there,
like a homeless kid on a curb
the rest of the world
with a destination
and him no where
to go
