Summer
LABELS
Hate ’em. Mostly, I guess,
because I’ve worn one label
or another pretty much forever.
Loser.
Because when I was little,
Grandma Jean and Grandpa
Carl couldn’t afford the cutest
clothes or designer backpacks.
Loner.
Because foster kids don’t make
and keep friends. Might as well
brand their foreheads: FK.
For foster kid. Or freak.
Stoner.
Because even if you don’t get
stoned, hanging out with stoners
makes you feel like you belong.
Somewhere. Anywhere.
Stuck-up.
Because when you close yourself
off from questions, erect walls
around pain, unlocking the gate
to let someone in is
unthinkable.
Fuckup.
Because it’s easier to let others
believe you have no plans. No
dreams. No future. Nothing