The shower’s a mistake

The shower’s a mistake.

Water hits skin,

a sharp, bright ache.

The redness on my neck,

my shoulders too.

A map of hours

I didn’t see through.

The heat remains,

a dull, deep thrum.

My skin feels tight,

my senses numb

to anything but this

fierce, bright sting.

The sun’s cruel gift,

what days can bring.