I would tell you the secrets of little girls
talk of kisses, of walks on beaches, of boys
and boys to come – I would, I would
but some secrets are not mine to share.

If you must know, then listen behind the shed
where they snuck to watch the boys smoke
or at the mall outside the lingerie store
where the boys giggle as they pass

If you can not live without knowing
run – run down to the beach on a hot summer night
and stand just outside the candy store
where the taffy is being pulled and watch
the little girls heads loll back sweet
in cackled glee

If you are so small – so sad, so lost –
that a secret is like a scab in need
of picking – then wait in the grocery store
beside the hygiene products
and all will be revealed

or not.