ART BY MATILDA PENG

Here is the least painful part—

You count down from three,
because you want me to know
when it will happen.

I keep my eyes open, because I can
feel it coming, and I want it to
look like I don’t even care.

The first one doesn’t hurt.

I watch my face in the mirror
for the Moment of Impact and can’t
find it.

—This was the least painful part.

The second one makes my
knee twitch like at the doctor’s.

I have to turn away.

You must have seen, thought
I was obvious, when it pierced me, with
how much I give away. I think I give too much away. I think

save some mystery for the inside of you,

and even then the needle comes
and finds it all out.