Self Improvement: Cocaine

I recall those halcyon summers of my youth, laying on the sidewalks, the hot cement making me flush, as I sprinkle salt on the last of the spring snails and marvel at the blooming white foam. In those moments I would clench my jaw until my teeth squeaked against each other and threatened to crack. I might remain in place, out on the sidewalk, until dusk, when the sun burns on my neck begin to blister.