This kid
in front of me
he’s twelve or thirteen
he sits 
waits 
for his COVID vaccine 
I can handle any needle
he says very plainly 
as he rolls up his black T-shirt sleeve
his brother goes to school here 
Grant County High
it’s his very first time in the building
a rock star
his dad says 
as soon as it’s finished
not an issue at all
and thanks for the band-aid.