Lasting Impression

This week, the callous 
below my left ring finger
finally gave up. 

I was wondering 
when it would. 

It’s been well over 
a year since metal
pressed that skin. 

But the mark of almost 
a decade of wear has been 
stubborn to leave. 

Many times this last year 
I caught my thumb 
wandering over that spot 

Feeling to see 
if my body was following 
my mind’s lead 

and giving up
the ghost. 

One more 
nail in the coffin
of this chapter of two.