By gala
Date: 21 November 1999

Splinter

    I don't know the hows or why's,
    couldn't guess at the where or when
    but one day I looked at you
    and knew that you would ever be
    a splinter in my soul.

    It doesn't hurt exactly---
    I just know that you are there,
    beneath my skin,
    rising now and again to the surface,
    but eluding every attempt at extraction.

    I fought it,
    tried every known method of warfare---
    tweezers, worrying with a sharp pin,
    even drawing salve---
    but there you are,
    and there you stay.

    You meet my eyes
    daring me to look away,
    and enjoying
    my discomfort
    because if someone is reacting
    it means you've gotten their attention.

    You know,
    I'd probably still love you
    if you weren't
    so damned irritating.