ONE BAD EYE

As I tug the puss string
from behind my bad eye
being careful not to tug too hard,
or to let anyone see,
I am reminded of this sensation:
the rub of a pearl strand
against my teeth, and understanding
that its grit and coarseness is
an assurance of authenticity.

As I tug the puss string
from behind my bad eye
being careful not to tug too hard
and rip the delicate string,
I feel for the first time
what it feels like
in the space behind
my bad eye.