Stapled

Staple in my hand
I obsess.
Tracing circles around the sharp edges
Dig it further into my delicate skin

My eyelids flutter in heavy exhaustion
Craving connection.
A staple in my brain
Thoughts pinned down, jolted awake.

Tongue lays in stillness
Unwilling speech.
Another staple seals my lips
Only my own breath flows inside.

They will be painful to remove.