The quote describes a stark and vivid scene from the book "Naked Lunch" by William S. Burroughs. It portrays a character's experience watching someone named the Gimp take a drug shot in Philadelphia. The narrator reflects on the setup they created to observe this event, indicating a sense of detachment and morbid curiosity about the drug culture. There is a haunting acknowledgment that the Gimp was unable to escape the addiction, as evidenced by the needle remaining in his arm, which highlights the tragic fate of those trapped in substance abuse.

The imagery used in the quote emphasizes the extreme consequences of drug use, as well as the chilling emotional impact it has on both the user and onlookers. The phrase "the look in his eyes when it hit" suggests a moment of intense ecstasy mixed with despair, revealing the duality of addiction—the fleeting pleasure contrasted with the grim reality of addiction's grip. Burroughs captures the allure and danger of narcotics, presenting a sordid snapshot of life for those engulfed in this world while maintaining a detached, almost voyeuristic perspective.