Page 99 of I Can't Even Think Straight
Then the same again for Jyoti.
I decide to stay in line with her
to meet The Author.
Another Detention—After School
“This isn’t fair,” I tell Mr. Ndour,
and The Boys all agree with me,
apart from Kojo, who sits silently.
Mrs. James reported us all to Mr. Ndour
because she didn’t see
which one of us said he was a dickhead.
“Settle down, boys,” says Mr. Ndour.
Like a broken record or a boring song,
Mr. Ndour repeats
the same dry lyrics
day in and day out.
“For fuck’s sake, man,” I say.
“Okay, it was me,” I blurt out.
The classroom falls silent,
and it’s like time stands still.
I know my confession
is wholly unnecessary.
Nathan already told me
The Boys would take the fall with me.
I don’t quite understand
what’s brought on their loyalty to me.
Was it the police stop
and our first detention together?
My coming out as gay
and going to Nicky Anderson’s house party?
Or is it just because
