To Miss Caroline in Defense of Scout

She rips open a pair of yellow leaves,

watching the little bugs that freeze at sight,

while leaning in to watch, she sees them seeth

and pulse with a plot under a reading light.

The ancient bugs fade ‘way and are replaced,

and she’s immersed in their sweet venomed lies.

The bugs bite so viciously, with a grimm

goal: “To poison your minds,” Miss Caroline chides.

“Now follow my pattern, obey my rule,

and disregard your father’s teaching you.

Reading before your time, readings for school!”

So she drops the yellow book, and her tears brew.

            She’ll be taught ‘right’, according to her age,

            Longing for yellowed leaves, scented in their beige.