We sit slumped in our chairs
Bobby and Deedee
Belinda and me
we doodle we draw
we have paper and pens
there’s a speaker today
we’re supposed to take notes
we draw pictures instead
roses and needles
faces with crosses for eyes
he walks to the stage
puts his hand in his pocket
a gesture that says
I’m just a guy
he smiles he begins
no one says when I grow up
I want to be a heroin addict
no one says I hope I’m a junkie
when I get big
Bobby snorts and Deedee grins
me and Belinda try not to laugh
he shows us a film
prom queen track star
abscesses sores
hooking just for a dime bag of something
that might be smack
and might be more
he holds up his book
no one says
I want to be a heroin addict
in block letters
bold
it’s on the book jacket
and me and Belinda
Bobby and Deedee
we laugh
that’s why we’re here
we all said that.