Tommy; growing up

I don't know why he wanted to challenge me? We met on several occasions
under Mr. Rice's pecan tree at the corner of 56th st. and Buffalo Ave. I would
take him down and hold him until he said enough. The last time we brawled
I discovered his reason, after he got a lucky punch in. I grabbed him by his
shirt and drew back to hit him. He had a big smile on his face. No, I didn't hit
him, I smiled back!

Tommy!
By L. Don Oliver

When I was eight years old,
As chubby as I could be;
Tommy sent word he wanted
To meet under the pecan tree;

The sun was shining brightly,
It was a very warm day;
I discovered very soon,
Tommy was not there to play;

He wanted to fight,
And I didn't know why;
He swung and missed,
And I made him cry;

Happening on several occasions,
The outcome was the same;
He would start the fracas,
And I would end the game;

The last time we met,
I didn't have my grip;
Tommy swung and hit me,
Splitting my upper lip;

It wasn't out of anger,
It wasn't just to fight;
Tommy kept on trying,
Until he got right;