Scab of Love

by Mara Wasilik

Abrasions make broader scabs

than cuts.

A cluster.

Confidences are the plastic strips

when torn away

reveal a gooey mess

Always ouchless

but always revolting.

Let the air hit them

and they itch.

The hard crust

begins to flake.

Beware of recovery

Pavement knows the wound

and rises to tear away

the healing mass.

The next scab forms faster

but now there's sure to be

a scar,

an identifying mark.

Why are they always on my knees?

Copyright © 1998, Mara Wasilik