Fallout (Crank 3)

go

without the help

she needs right now.

If I don’t tell, things

could definitely go

straight to hell.

MY MOUTH OPENS

Like a floodgate,

cascading words

doubtless better left

dammed up inside.

But every ugly detail

comes splashing out.

As I talk, Darla’s eyes

grow wide. She didn’t

suspect a thing. How is

it possible to take care

of problem kids and not

maintain a semi-constant

vigil for problems? Is she lazy?

Ignorant? Or maybe she doesn’t

really care about anything

except the monthly stipends.

If that’s the case, too bad, so

sad. I’m betting one or more

of those is about to disappear.

DESPITE DRAGGING

My rear on three hours’ sleep;

despite my swollen cheek

being sort of stitched together