Childhood

My old church

had no white steeples

nor any crosses on top.

Instead,

warehouse red bricked walls

empty flat roofed top.

I played tag between street cars

avoided It and local traffic.

Touch football

and handball,

pegged by blue rubber balls.

I spent most my time with boy friends,

Not boyfriends.

I wore 

puffy pink sleeves

with white laced collar

silver buttons 

knee high blue stockings

that mom insisted was fashion.

while riding a bike.

I turn red.