the secret

"pssst," through my dingy yellowed teeth
happy and aching with cola and chocolate,
"I have a penis."

Shock coursed through each smile
lipfirst, tongue-lolled then with a gulp
down the throat to the pit of holiness
in the empty stomach

"yes dear, you do," my mother said
softly and then," would you like an oreo?"

"No mother, I want my penis to grow."

The audible intake of air made me smile
and she said simply, "It's time for bed."

"yes mom," i kissed her
and padded up the stairs
penis and all.

"brush your teeth dear, that's the secret."