Criminal Justice Syllogism

Mom, he says, all of four, the Army kills even the cows
and chickens. If caught speeding, you go to jail
or get your eyes poked out
with sticks. In jail you don’t get
covers. You don’t get fire trucks or safari
animals. When you have to go to the bathroom,
hold it.
Forever.
Apples with skin
make you choke. Thieves they tie
up and your head rolls off. Litter
means you have nothing
to eat forever. Not even apple skins.
Then you’ll choke and not learn how
to not litter. To see in jail you have to see
with your eyes closed. Don’t speed
because who will be my mom.

No, I tell him, the butcher prepares our meat.