he didn't look like
much, but you could tell
he was good.
wanted a cigarette, so I
gave him one & came out to
smoke with him.

could never say no to people
who wanted cigarettes
however broke I was.
brotherhood of cancer.

he told me how he paid for
his own schooling
(prep) and how everyone
else was richer. How he
could get lost
in their houses.
I sympathized, but it was
fake.
                                                     
"you either ended up a druggie,
nuts or an insomniac
like me" he said and went
off to wander the night
streets.

vending machine humming television
blaring and the mock marble
counter cold under my palm.
a girl and a guy, all scrappy and                          
               
hip passed by me.                                          
       
he had a wool cap and a bag
and she had hair as dark as my fear
and eyes, blue eyes, that could kill.
pierce.

I followed them with my glance
as the lights turned from green to
red.

he only wanted a cigarette and
to wander.

I bet he'd make a better writer than
I.

I hope he never tries.