Prickly leaf.
Sneaky thorn.
As a child.
you were my only adversaries.
As I sprinted through the forest,
fantasies and joy,
engulfing my body,
coursing through my veins.

Look at me now,
I smile at you fondly,
you taught me how,
to dodge bullets,
but only physically.

Emotionally,
I had another thing comin'.