Freshman Barometer
Richard King Perkins II

Four girls sit on a bed
in the summer before their
first year of high school,
playing the game of revelation
called “Truth or Dare.”

“What scares you the most?”
is the cycling question to which
they will all tell their truth.

“I’m afraid of getting fat.”
says the first. Murmurs of assent.
This is a good response.

“I’m afraid of being poor.”
says the second. Murmurs of assent.
This is a good response.

“I’m afraid of bad hair days.”
says the third. Laughter of assent.
This is an excellent response.

“I fear not being understood.”
says the fourth. Bolt of silence.
“What do you mean?” says the first.
“I mean,…. I’m afraid of bugs.”
says the fourth. Screeches of assent.
This is the best response.

About the author:
Richard King Perkins II is a state-sponsored advocate for residents in long-term care facilities. He has a wife, Vickie and a daughter, Sage. His work has appeared in hundreds of publications including Prime Mincer, Sheepshead Review, Sierra Nevada Review, Two Thirds North, The Red Cedar Review, and The William and Mary Review. He has poems forthcoming in Bluestem, Poetry Salzburg Review, and December Magazine.