Band-Aid

A thorn that won't dissolve
festers, re-opens closed skin.
Dig it out?
Re-wound to heal?
Probe?
Leave it?

I can't wear a Band-Aid forever.
Protection suffocates.
Now I need to admit air and light.
Rip the adhesive.

This hurts.
Rather say it causes pain.
A temporary discomfort.
But now I have to look.
This hurts.

I cringe to see red raw open sore.
I fear exposure will harm not harden.
I'm tempted to use another Band-Aid;
I will for a time.
I press it down.
A cover feels safe.
Easy now to keep from further injury.

Quell again the wish it hadn't happened.
Live with it:
I got hurt
I still hurt
but I won't look at it
for a time ...