I've become one of those people who prowl around at night in their cars. God, I am the town's Boo Radley, just like in To Kill A Mockingbird.

I wash my hands, wonder how an awful day could turn even worse. It seems like at some point you'd just run out of awful.

Baby Girl," I say. "I need you remember everything I told you. Do you remember what I told you?" She still crying steady, but the hiccups are gone. "To wipe my bottom good when I'm done?" "No, baby, the other one. About who you are.

Because ain’t that white people for you, wondering if they are happy enough.

Write about what disturbs you, particularly if it bothers no one else.

When you little, you only get asked two questions, what’s your name and how old you is, so you better get em right.

Lord, I never seen blue hair on a black woman before or since. Leroy say you look like a cracker from outer space.