Close Shave

The chrome handle is pitted with years of the lime

that builds in the grout of the shower’s cold tile.

I was trying to force back the progress of time,

but the screw wouldn’t turn for at least half a mile.

I pried at the edge till the steel gave a snap,

a blue-tinged sliver that bit at my skin.

I wrapped it in tissue to cover the trap,

hiding the places where the metal got in.