Hangnails

I poke and prod
until the skin
becomes loose
until there is enough
to grab by my teeth
and I pull
I tear the piece
as far as it will go
down my thumb
imagining
if I could tear it
all the way
across my arm
until the scars
I feel are shown
to anyone who
looks at me
Maybe they will
have pity
but more likely
they will look
away in disgust

Reviews

[JR]

Everyone has those scars underneath, but it's amazing how we react with horror when we see those of another. You did a really powerful job capturing this image, baring the self through the tearing of skin. I love the form as well... the column makes the poem read faster, the eye jump more, which helps build the mood of the conclusion. Well constructed.