I sneak in the side door of the gas station,
drop a quarter in the cigarette machine,
and wonder if I have the strength
to push the right button,
straighten out my life.
Mick says I’m a nymphomaniac
when I’m really just in love.
Before I quit school, I told Ms. Hawes
that I moved in with my brother, and
she took me to the teacher’s lounge,
poured two cups of coffee, gave me a
dime and the number of a church
where I could get help.
I spent it on a glazed donut.