Them

I am in my late 20s
In married student’s
Housing telling my sons
To take heart against bullies
And hang together for protection.
I encourage them with a fight
Song, both silly and good,
For making both them
And bullies laugh at
Themselves when
Sung with proper
Grit and gusto,
“Smash ‘em
Bash ‘em,
Make ‘em
Feel bad!
Beat ‘em up
Knock ‘em down,
Make ‘em
Feel sad!”
I recite
This medley
To myself before
Each college lecture
Ship presentation
Or department
Meeting with
Unqualified
Success
Versus,
Them.