DAYCARE

It smelled like old graham crackers,

Soggy cinnamon bread crumbs years stale.

It smelled like too hot plastic,

When jungle gyms were pirate ships,

Sharp teeth lurked below.

It smelled like rain soaked asphalt,

Wet bathing suits staining splinter benches.

It smelled like cigarettes,

Pinched between the lips of towering discipline,

Inhale to feel smaller.

It smelled like centipedes,

Herded between great grass mountains.

It smelled like spit and tears and piss,

Gravel replaces knee skin,

A rusty, bloody escape plan.