Gary Grossman

Cutting

She was serving some dude at the take-out window
as I strode up to the counter. Willowy limbs
and torso, townie black low-risers and spaghetti-strap
cotton top.

Swiveling, she faced me and said just a minute
I need to get some pennies from the back. My eyes
pulled downwards to a mountain range of small
white-capped ridges on her left forearm.

Razor blade tightly held, thumb and index finger—
endorphins freed. She’s brave; so few of us
openly wear our trauma.

I fought to keep my gaze on hazel eyes,
only to fumble three painful exhalations.
I’m old enough to be her dad. 

An open book asks to be read, or maybe not.
I’m not sure I even know this language.

 

Besides enjoying running, playing the uke, fishing, and gardening, Gary Grossman likes to write and share his work. His poetry books Lyrical Years (2023, Kelsay), What I Meant to Say Was… (2023, Impspired Press), and graphic memoir My Life in Fish—One Scientist’s Journey…(2023, Impspired) all are available from Amazon or the author. Website: https://www.garygrossman.net/