there
was an air
of
situational racism
nondenominational
fascism
free range
sexism
topped off with
cheerful alcoholism

it was just where
we

grew up.

right from wrong
was smudged
into
a gray area.

some
most
escaped with
scars
a fluency in
innuendo
with a smidgeon of
hateful terms
in a hidden
locked away part of
their mental
vernacular.

i would give a
quarter
to be a fly
on the dash
as they are
stuck
in rush hour traffic
with a three car
fender bender
on the opposite side
of the highway
slowing them
down
even more.

see just how

ingrained

their childhoods
really are.