Fallout (Crank 3)

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