99¢

i had an untamed appetite
swallowing books whole

but i knew my limits
and it came in the form
of prices listed on the monthly book order

the teacher would hand them out
and you could check a box
then attach your parent's check
clean new books would be yours

i knew how to scan the list
ignoring compelling titles
and instead look
for the one listed as 99¢

i've always known what i wanted
but i also know
what i can get