You're The Kid

You're the kid with the magnifying glass
burning every ant in sight.

You're the kid at the zoo
shouting insults to animals you think don't have ears
from your safe place on the other side of the cage.

You're the kid who bullies the weak at school
sneering when they shrink away from you,
but screaming in terror when they band together and rebel.

You're the kid who kicks at strays and spits at the homeless
only to go home and be petted, adored, and awarded for looking innocent.

You're the kid, all cute and sweet
though love's the only emotion you lack
Your heart's been painted red over the original black.
I'm the only one you haven't fooled
but that's because there was a time in my past
when I was just like you.