Why did they always associate you
With that specific word?
You always thought that word
To describe the tender feline kind
Gentle in showing affection
Brushing their fluffy cheeks on
Your shins
But they do have
Their claws as well.

School children were
Just as harsh
If not more
If it rhymed with imp
It burned in your ears
And in the mouths of
Mom and dad late at night
After you’d been sent to bed.

Your own father had
Told you to just wipe
Your nose on your sleeve
And **** it up

And it hurt worse
Than any other
Punch to the gut
And that was just
Tenth grade.