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Rocket boy

he sniffs
rocket exhaust
and the cans you find
in the gully behind the spaceport
stumbles a bit when he walks

his breath leaves a petrochemical scent trail

plastic starship models like the heads of big game animals
stare glassily from the wall above his bunk

he measures himself twice a day hopes

each time he's tall enough
father hasn't told him
about the age
requirement



Everyday Poets, 2010