challenged me, the bully did
to describe air
or anything

my lungs filled
and I stuttered
me

I am all I don't know
and everything
is infinity

your hate is real
your hate for yourself
take a breath free

hit what you don't understand,
hate it with every fist
break everything in two.

then look upon that
sudden rush the freedom felt
when an epiphany

is right between your eyes
he stopped
eyes crossed

trying to take it in
and kicked me in the nuts.
Suddenly ,

I knew what air was.
I needed it so much.
A girl drew near.

Asked if I was
all right. I said in
a really high voice

hells no!
I can't breathe!
she placed her lips

on mine
and pushed her lungs
onto mine

then the bully came back
and having caught my
breath , me

and her raced like the wind.