I know that you’ve heard a lot about how pushers operate – and how they manage to get so many people addicted that there is always a demand for their product. However, in case you have the urge to know more about how these people operate, just read on – for I’m a pusher and now I’ll tell all.
Many people – both adults and children, rich and poor, and of all ethnic groups depend on me – and become desperate if I’m not there when I’m supposed to be with my precious cargo. For what I bring influences their whole life and is the most important thing in the world to some of them – and many absolutely refuse to do without it.
Since my intention is to get people hooked early in life, I start by trying to lure children into my vehicle – thus, I lurk around playgrounds and school yards – sometimes even inviting a teacher or two “into my parlor – as the spider is supposed to have said to the fly.”
When a child gets the habit, he or she brings little brother and sisters, playmates and friends, and yes, even parents sometimes.
As I make my daily rounds, I visit residential neighborhoods – both rich and poor and in between, labor camps, farms and ranches, small desert towns, fishing and boating resorts, housing projects, churches, parking lots and shopping malls. And I work both morning and evening.
Wherever I stop, I see people stopping what they are doing and making their way to my van – singly and in groups – and sometimes in crowds.
The things I push have many uses – making people think high and happy. It takes them away from their drab surroundings and excites them – and their consciousness expands so much that sometimes it seems that it is about to pop. They learn new things and get brief, enjoyable stays in never, never land. And since the effect – while lasting- is not so enjoyable unless repeated, they keep coming back for more – and more and more and more.
Since once they are hooked they will never, never, in this life be able to break the habit – I will continue to be their guide to inner and outer space, for I carry everything for everybody.
I am your bookmobile librarian.
Ruth Burke
Salome AZ
(reprinted from Meridian Monitor, June 1992 – used with permission from issue #80 THE U*N*A*B*A*S*H*E*D LIBRARIAN.)