A Question I Didn't Answer

This is a poem of a sort, I just finished it tonight. I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a poet and I have made no conscious decisions with regard to rhyme and meter. Suggestions and critique are welcome. I wasn't intending to use the name at the end, but it seemed to fit rhythmically to have one more beat and I couldn't find a different word to use.

 This poem is in response to a question I was asked during a one-on-one meeting with a facilitator for a counseling class I'm taking. The answer I actually gave was something like "I just tutored in the after school program."

A Question I Didn't Answer

I don't like them because they don't scare me
They're not hard to use and I'm damn good.
You asked what I did there, I told you the truth
But it was a question I did not answer

Not like the question on her face that day
Ms. Brown's was a question I could not answer
The thought that popped in may have been like Kayla's retort to teasing queries
"Miss Maggie, you're weird!"
But it was a question I did not answer

I did answer Mark's question
As he shoved chicken nuggets in his mouth
"Yep!" I told him, in the same nonchalance I was asked.
The answer I did not give you, feels the same

I told the truth but I did not answer
I could have said the thought that popped in
But the nonchalance I feel and even a little pride, would not be heard
So I did not answer


I don't like them because they don't scare me
They're not hard to use and I'm damn good.
So what did I do?

I waited for men attempting to intimidate me to get out of the road
I regularly had nails removed from my tires
And I ushered screaming children inside as if it were only raining water.
You asked what I did when I worked there.

It was a red truck, on a Monday, St. Patrick's day 2008
Ms Brown's face was in a panic
40 Children, Kayla among them
"Hey Miss Walla Walla! Your first drive by, huh?" was Mark's question

I'm a damn good shot. The thing is,
I don't like   guns,   because   guns   don't scare me.
You asked what I did when I worked there.

I got shot at, Dave.




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