For two hours I’d been waiting
in the rain to collect the pills that keep
my brain just the right side
of a nervous breakdown.
As I approach the desk
the woman flips the sign. Closed.
I can feel the tears prickle behind
my eyes as I plead – just
one more, just this once.
Please. She looks down at me,
face like curdled milk, and says no.
Her name tag says Joy.
