Hi. My name is Joe. Joe McBourbon. I'm a new
student in your class. What will the fourth grade be like? I don't
think I'll like it very much, but Ma wants me to go. She's an very
serious alcholic. If I don't do as she says, she'll beat me. I don't
want another beatin' Mr. Dodge. So, I'ma gonna go to school. My
Sister don't go to school. She got raped two years ago, so now she
don't go to public areas at all, not even with a trusted adult around. How
are the kids in the 4th grade? I hope to make a friend. I don't have
any friends. The kids at my ol' school, they wern't very nice. They
would laugh and call me names, and hit me. When I brought my
lunch from home, they would take it. Do the kids in the 4th grade
take others lunch? I hope not. Oh, do you have a parent night? You
don't have to bother, my parents 'll never come. My Mom is too
wasted, and my Dad, he works alot. Him work hard on the farm,
from dawn till dusk. Then him go down to the local casino and play
till the late hours. Oh, do we have to bring any school supplies? Dad
uses all 'ur money on his games, so I don't have any supplies like
pencils and crayons. But, my Dad says I can't waist money on such
things, so I don't. But you know what, I do got one supply, and I can
bring it. It's got all sorts of tools, wisdom, good advice, fun stories an'
more. I can bring it, Mr. Dodge, then I too will have supplies. You
know what it is, Mr. Dodge? It's ma Bible. Well, guess I will see you
in school. God bless you, Mr. Dodge.
Sincerily,
Joe McBourbon
dedicated to: The fine friends who help
complete my life. I thank
God for you all.