Screwing Up Means Possible Arrest
by Francine DuBois

See, there's the fine line between kidding around and statutory rape
That he's never quite found. She can picture him being
Led around by a ring through his nose by a thirteen-year-old.
He would teach her piano, move her fingers across ivory and
Back up to sharp black. It is only a matter of time, she thinks,
Until some angry parent unleashes a legal fury on him
And he will forever be labeled a molester or rapist,
All because he was too focused on octaves and not laws.

Francine's Version -- Hezekiah's Version -- Inspiration
Previous Poem -- Next Poem -- Table of Contents