Puppy Love in the 14th St. Station

Worried about today's youth? Aren't we all. That's why it's important to get an occasional glimpse into today's young minds. Fortunately, the kids often pass notes in class. Then they helpfully drop those notes someplace in public, like the stairwell of a subway station.

What follows is an unedited discussion written in ink on lined notebook paper. We found this note in a 14th St. subway station on March 28 at 12:10 p.m. His writing was in blue, hers in black. The exchange is inspiring. These young folks seem genuinely interested in improving their schoolwork while forming an emotional bond. Even the threat of violence is downright touching.

What's up?yo you still down with this studying thing?   ?Sure What period do you have lunch!

?3rd period.

?Oh too bad.

?I guess this might not work out. I have art your lunch period so I could go fifth because my teacher is gonna pass me in that class anyway. So whats poppin with 5th period tomorrow.

?I don't know what do you need help studying in.

?Humanities and math. Don't try to play me. If we do this it's got to be very professional. Stay focused on the work. No fooling around or petting the dog or none of those things. Its all about work. No weird stuff under the table. I'm trying to get you to pass and you try to get me to pass.

?Oh I don't play with dogs.

?I know why we don't know each other very well. I ask you a question and you ask me one. You go first.

?How old are you.

?15 years old in May. How old are you?

?16 in September.

?Damn. Does this mean I'm too young for you? Did Armando hurt you physically? Cause if he did I'll beat him over the head with a brick. Word up.

?No Armando didn't hurt me physically even if he use to scare me some times. But I don't think that Armando would've have hurt physically even though his words hurt more than anything.

?That nigga must have said some awfull things to hurt you this bad. 9 months without a man. Didn't you start missing that after awile? Its hard for me to go long periods without a girl. My last girl was the best. She held me together when I was falling apart. She was my number one fan everytime I was rapping in the studio making demos. She moved. Now I'm lonely again.

?[This, written in the page's border] we're two lonely people. Maybe we should be 2gether.