I am the sweat in your eye blinding you for a second

Causing you to pull the trigger.

I am the rock in your shoe that finally makes you

Give up your lead in the marathon.

Kiss first place goodbye.

I taste like acid indigestion inching up your throat

When your boss says,

“Looks like you’ll need to put in a few extra hours this week.”

And you think, “Again?”

And you say, “That’s it.”

I am all the places your lover doesn’t touch you.

Your arm, your stomach, your thigh.

When he says, “No. Not tonight.”

And you curl inside your doubt like an ugly snail.

I am the moment the silk and lace feel ludicrous,

Laughing on your skin.

When your mother questions your career as a nurse,

Says that your one friend is using you for your money,

Tells you you’re not chopping the tomatoes right,

That’s when I show up.

The knife dances in your shaking hand.

You put it down.

You exit the kitchen. The house. The life.

I catalyze the end of something great.

I cause the beginnings of something better.