Drawing by Judith Wolfe
Mary Nagy

Poem


      BE A "GOOD KID" AND ROLL ME A JOINT

      When you are nine years old
      and sifting the seeds out
      of your parents pot for them,
      you can't really preach
      about the dangers of cigarettes
      and second-hand smoke...
      even though you know them.

      You know better than to miss a seed
      and let it ''pop'' while they are smoking it.
      ''What are you lazy or just too stupid? ''
      ''Is it really that hard to make sure
      all the seeds are out? ''

      Once you've proven yourself with the sifting job,
      maybe they'll think enough of you
      to actually let you roll one.
      If you're lucky.
      Then you're a real ''big helper''.
      Then they really like having you around.
      Because they love you.

      But, if you're stupid enough
      to roll a joint that isn't tight
      or comes apart while they're smoking it...
      you'll be sorry.
      Because then they'll tell all their friends
      just how stupid their worthless kid is.
      ''Stupid kid.
      Can't even roll a good joint.
      What good are you''?

      Just wait...you're almost ten.
      Then they'll have you smoke one yourself.
      ''It'll make you much cooler.
      Because you're such a dork.
      You really need help''.


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