(August 2017)
I tried to tell you
how I was stung
the other day when
the river rose so rapidly
while we were eating lunch
maybe a hive or nest was flooded
that’s why they were angry
I guess I’m lucky
not to be allergic
just a sting
but wow it hurt for days
I couldn’t sleep
couldn’t concentrate
on anything but the pain
and itch in my arm
I tried to show you
twisted my arm around
so you could stay comfortable
tried to make you see
my hurt
but of course there was nothing to see
no blood or bruise
no red badge of injury
and I could tell
you didn’t quite understand
how I could still be stuck on this
why I couldn’t just let go
move on
you would have had to
touch me, hold your skin to mine
and feel the heat, the tiny knot
of all my body, all my being
fighting back, resisting
poison venom hatred
yes I know it came
from angry frightened
tiny little nothings
still, it stings
poem (c) 2017 D. Ohlandt
please only reprint in entirety and with credit given