Torn up by buckshot hormones, teenage minds
Can’t take in any information, save
That spring consumes itself outside.  Ten days
Until school’s through!  The learning curve defies
My chalkboard stats.  A talk on suicide
Prevention must seem strange when kids have made
Out graduation gift lists, and far away
Reside the thousand natural shocks of life.

The teacher snuffs his cigarette, says, “Thanks
For coming,” goes back in to finish class.
Halfway removed myself, I almost miss
A girl waiting, whose long-neglected angst
Takes arm and gives me pause, who turns her hands
And shows the stitch-rut scars along her wrists.