Biggs
was a small kid
had wing nut ears
and bulgy eyes.
We played games
of football cards
against the wall
of the junior school
playground
in morning break.
Usually I won
but I liked him
so let him
win games
so I could see
his smile
which would spread
from ear to ear.
One morning
Cogan came over
and took
Biggs's cards
from the ground
and held them
against his shirt.
You want em Biggs
you come get em
Cogan said.
Biggs's ear went red
and his eyes
bulged more.
Let him have
his cards back
I said.
What's it to you?
shudup
or I'll take yours
as well
he said.
I picked up
my cards
and said
is that your face
or are you breaking in
for a friend?
You talkin to me?
Cogan said.
I stuffed my cards
in the back pocket
of my trousers.
If you heard
what I said
why ask?
I said.
Cogan looked
past me at Biggs.
If you want
your cards
come get em
he said.
Biggs headbutted
Cogan's gut
and the cards flew
in the air.
There was a rumble
of bodies and fists
and legs.
I picked up
Biggs's cards
and held them
again my chest
and stared.
A teacher came
and broke them up
and took them inside
to see the head.
I pocketed
Biggs's cards
and walked ahead.
Jun 18, 2017
Jun 18, 2017 at 10:36 AM UTC
Biggs
was a small kid
had wing nut ears
and bulgy eyes.
We played games
of football cards
against the wall
of the junior school
playground
in morning break.
Usually I won
but I liked him
so let him
win games
so I could see
his smile
which would spread
from ear to ear.
One morning
Cogan came over
and took
Biggs's cards
from the ground
and held them
against his shirt.
You want em Biggs
you come get em
Cogan said.
Biggs's ear went red
and his eyes
bulged more.
Let him have
his cards back
I said.
What's it to you?
shudup
or I'll take yours
as well
he said.
I picked up
my cards
and said
is that your face
or are you breaking in
for a friend?
You talkin to me?
Cogan said.
I stuffed my cards
in the back pocket
of my trousers.
If you heard
what I said
why ask?
I said.
Cogan looked
past me at Biggs.
If you want
your cards
come get em
he said.
Biggs headbutted
Cogan's gut
and the cards flew
in the air.
There was a rumble
of bodies and fists
and legs.
I picked up
Biggs's cards
and held them
again my chest
and stared.
A teacher came
and broke them up
and took them inside
to see the head.
I pocketed
Biggs's cards
and walked ahead.
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