One Silver Wire

This morning, under the bathroom's

harsh LED, where every flaw

is amplified, where yesterday's

mistakes feel carved into the skin,

I saw it.

Just one. A single, defiant

strand. Glinting, a silver wire,

right above my left temple. A tiny,

brilliant accusation against

the dark mass around it.

It wasn't hiding. It was standing

at attention, a miniature flag

of surrender. Or maybe, a scout,

sent ahead. To tell the others

what's coming. A silent alarm.

I leaned closer, finger lifted,

then dropped it. What's the point.