Underneath It

I felt that snag, a sudden pain,

under my nail, so sharp and small.

A tiny piece of wood, again,

refusing to release its thrall.

I try to pick it out, it breaks,

each little move the damage makes.

It lodges deeper, red and sore,

I can’t ignore it anymore.

A thing so slight, it takes its hold,

a tiny story, grim and old.