Seven Sins

In school I learn details on the sins
that come with penalty, delightful failings
that ooze across the sidewalk, stick to shoes,
wrongdoings for a dark night after moonlight
creeps out of the garden. After school
I learn about lapses without a price tag
with friends in an empty lot, an old Buick,
a booth in the back of Sugar Dan’s.

I get wicked practice and grow
into a sinful authority,
I’m good when I need to, I don’t throw stones.
Jennifer strolls into Sugar Dan’s,
gives me a sideways look and a wink,
I watch her swing and sway, the moon comes out,
she teaches me failings I never knew,
we bury evil out in the garden.