Abrupt Leak

Blood steals its own path—

a line breaking loose

from the bridge of my nose,

red and stubborn.

Hands fumble for a rag,

torn edges pressed rough,

crowds blur past, a river

of faces I can't hold.

Warmth pools in the cold station,

the fluorescent lights crackle,

a sticky mosaic of shame

splattered at my feet.

Eyes catch and dart away,

a moment sliced open

like thin skin splitting,

a leak I can't contain,

bursting, bleeding through

my careful calm.