I cover myself with cuts
and scratches
as I stride or stalk
from point to point in time
and rotation

and I hardly complain at all

But sometimes a needle
will nick just so
or a bramble will sink deep
or paper cuts
(Paper Cuts!)
will stop my stride
(or stalking)

and sometimes in mid-step

and though these wounds
sting mercilessly now and then
they are but cuts
and scratches

and I swear I will not pick at them
(most of the time)