'The Teasing Game' Poem by Linda Winchell

'I know you are, but what am I? '
was a teasing game my brother and I would play.
He call me something bad or stupid
and then I would return it in my silly way.

Mom would say, 'Sticks and stones may break your bones
but names will never hurt you! '
I don't know where she got that from
because the names do hurt that hit you!

Like pizza face, or crater puss, giraffe neck
and many others.
I guess this is what all families experience
from their sister or their brothers.

I didn't like it when he was one name up on me
and sneak off to sulk or cry.
But I love him, even after all the names have stopped
and now understand the rules and whys.

My sons would pick an tease each other
like my brother and I did.
But I see they are closer maybe because of it all
playing the teasing game of family sibs!