i have developed
a twitch.
neurotic tendencies.
obsessive,
compulsive
tendencies.

i brush my teeth,
my hair.
i pick,
leaving tiny,
almost unnoticeable
     speckle
                  spot
                                   scabs.

stupid that my
response
creates tangible
evidence of
       an invisible
                  experience -

            or maybe not -
maybe it's
appropriate,
maybe it's
     the point.

after all,
holding the smooth
hair
and sparkling
teeth
is a once loved
heart
scarred,
pocked,
and marred by defeat.