There is a saying: the smallest hurt
lodged in the smallest crevice
of the body is broadcast
throughout its constitution— wisdom
teeth crowding the walls of the mouth,
an ingrown toenail inflaming
the angled groove of the nail bed. Where
does it not hurt right now? Pale
follicles of hair seeded in rows
all over the scalp. The fringe formed
of eyelashes, their hinged movement
barely raising a current of air.