On my way to class
to teach people how to write
with style
to unlearn bad habits
where I try to make everything
a story
& then I see the blood
smudged all over one hand
from where I’ve unconsciously
picked at my thumb
I didn’t feel anything
but I can’t teach
visibly bloody
so I lick the wound like an animal
test to see if it wells again
walk into class
knowing
the blood under my fingernail
will darken all morning.
