(Angel)

Off the Bus

and at Willows Teen LGBTQ Center

ass-crack-of-dawn early.

I left my music theory book

here last night. I’ll pick it up,

come back to open the doors

after class.

Kids’ll straggle in later. Just like

I used to: ditching school, foster care,

parents, assholes who mistreat them.

They’ll hang out in the rec room.

Faded couches, torn-up magazines,

a big TV.

Laughing, bickering, gossiping.

Being themselves.

Waiting for Group with Dr. Martina

or afternoon classes,

learning everything from how to

avoid date rape to

balancing a checkbook,

and if donors have been

generous with supplies,

a little underwater basket weaving

thrown in there, too.