Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Whenever i read

          a poem

and trip 
over a word

deliberately set
          as a trap—

to catch my ignorance,

a word 

          i do not recognize—

like a stranger 
approaching, 

potential danger, 

          in a dim

piss reeking
late night alley—
          intent unknown,

i turn the page
lest i be taught
          a lesson

i  don't care to learn.