In the line of the grocery store sudden and sharp

In the line of the grocery store, sudden and sharp,

a warm trickle slips down, life’s loud, jarring harp,

my hand clutches tissue, a crumpled red flag,

the stares of the strangers feel heavy, they drag.

A bright splash on the grey, the moment unkind,

my pulse races faster, embarrassment blind,

everyone watching, the air thick and still,

why does life choose these moments to spill?

I breathe through the shame, let the crimson flow free,

but the weight of their glances makes it hard to see,

this is just flesh, just a simple mistake,

and I wonder if they know how hard it can break.