Just Once

Just once

I’d like to be bad

Not have to think

About rules, boundaries

Or deadlines …or danger

Just once

I’d like to smoke hash

And drink way too much

And dance on a table

And sleep with a stranger

Just once

I’d like to leave the blinds up

And make love

In the middle of the day

A roll in the hay

Just once

I’d like to ignore

What mother, what father,

What my snooty neighbors

Think they have to say

Just once

I’d like to really let loose

Let my hair down

Let the music play

Past curfew and “Lights out!”

Just once

I’d like to raise my voice

Lower my standards

And not be mistaken

For an honor scout

Just once

I’d like to forget

That I’m the good one

The star athlete

The teacher’s pet

Just once

I’d like to …

But I just can’t

No, not this time…

Not just yet.