ohheyian

I remember before a big move I decided
to get rid of some books
the worst of my library
the really shitty books that I bought on a whim
or was given by a former friend
written by foolish people spreading nonsense
I planned to throw them all out
but a neighbor said he wanted the box
and I couldn’t possibly throw out books
“I’ll give them to the children” he said
“What children?” I asked
“I work at a school. I’ll let them take the books.”
“They were terrible books though,” I told him
“Backwards thinking and attempts to be clever about nonsense.”
“That’s ok,” he said “These kids are pretty fucked up already. Maybe two negatives will make a positive.”
“Kids aren’t magnets,” I said bluntly “There are ideas in these books that could really do some harm.”
“It’s fine,” he insisted. “They can barely read anyway.”
“One of these books put a curse on me,” I said “That’s why I have to move.”
“Kids are resilient,” he said confidently “What kind of curse do you have?”
“Well just look at me. I’m barely human.” I told him
“Just like most of the kids.” he sighed.