To PM:

Yo PM, I could complain that it sure took you like forever to write me a note but then, to tell you the truth, I never expected to hear from you again.  Not to mention that I should be happy to be hearing from you because, well, not many letters get delivered around these here parts. All my buddies wanted to read it.

I have quite a few expletives to shower you with but I can’t.  I am still here in “Purgatory” and already have a lot of explating to do.  I know what you’re thinking, but take it from me, that is a real word and not just more of my ebonics.  You see, it’s true; it is never too late to learn.

Wow, you are so right PM; I died way too young at 24, thanks for reminding me! And it wasn’t in Needle Park it was Cherry Street  Park. Other than more heartache what have I truly missed? I hear whispers that niggers are still dying on the streets from drugs and the “Man’s” Blue Bullet. Is it true?  Don’t they tire of singing Marvin’s hit – “What’s Going On?” Tell you the truth; I can’t rightly say which is worse the bullet or the needle. I think Kenny Rogers said it best when he sang “the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep.”

And what about that Black President from Hawaii. What’s his name – Don Ho? Really, I can’t believe a brother with an African name could even run for office. How white could a black man get?  Did he sell out his people like that chump Clarence did? Was the brother universally accepted like Gandhi was? More importantly, did he make a real difference, or did they put him in check? I hope not.  Yeah that got to be something, but Pusher Man I really don’t think I have missed out on anything. Not really. From what I can see, it is still a “Ball of Confusion” out there.

Yo Push, get this. I can’t for the life of me (pun intended) cry a single tear for you.  You ruined my life and that of my community. And now just because the “Man” relabeled the “Monkey On Your Back” as a bona fide disease you want to ride his coat-tail one more time and get me to accept your apology. Give me a break. I have heard a lot of bull in this here Purgatory but your phony lament tops the cake.  You got what you deserved; killing a junkie is still a crime in God’s eye.

I hope to be out of here by the time you get to visit Purgatory, but don’t stop writing.  The closer I get to leaving here the closer I will be to forgiving you.  God Help Me. That’s right when the Glory comes I hope to be straight and proper. One final piece of advice try and be a bit more contrite and start counting your blessings.  You could have been me, hooked on your own bad shit.  When you come here bring some sweets, will ya.  Thanks and I’ll catch you later.