Threadbare

The particle board is starting to flake

because I gave the hex wrench one too many shake.

I followed the drawings, I did what I was told,

but the wood is too soft and the hardware won't hold.

I realized just now, with a palm full of grit,

that I’ve been stripping the head of every last bit.

You have to stop turning before the metal gives way;

it’s a lesson I could have used yesterday.

Or ten years ago, when I tightened my grip

on a person who already felt the thing slip.

Now the hole is too wide for the screw to stay in,

and I’m left with the splinters against my own skin.