We placed a bet
under the
cool shadows
of a maple tree
and we sat simply chatting of the
lazy breeze
the steaming heat
and the dust accumulating on our
faded jeans

We talked like two friends do
about silly stuff
like the smiling peaches
dangling above our heads
the one quarter gum from the local
candy shop
the shape of the ice in our lemonade
fresh squeezed
the tinge of the humming sky
and the ladybugs
the red streaked bugs
spreading pleasure and luck

And we bet

He claimed he could capture more
and stick ‘em in a jar
he said he’d have a full one
flooded
with fidgeting red and
fluttering wings
but I said no.
I challenged I’d catch more

It was settled
loser buys a candy bar
one of those 50 cent delicacies
the ones that stood in the window
taunting
and calling your name
even once you walked by
its voice still echoed

So we fetched two jars
cleaned out good
but I could still smell the
boysenberry jam
that stained bread purple
along with your sleeves

And we started
sweat dripping down our cheeks
blinded by greed
and the blistering sun
we constantly looked over our shoulders
to check the competition
it was neck and neck
anyone’s game

But as I glanced down
and peered at the
seven bugs
frantic and
confined
scurrying within my jar
desperate for an escape
I detected their
fear
then I thought of my allowance money
(or lack thereof)
and the gleaming chocolate
I craved
as a trickle of spit
slipped out my lips

But I lifted the lid.