I've Been Picking at My Nipples Lately

When I'm home alone,
I stand shirtless
in front of the mirror
that's attached to the outside
of my bathroom door.

I begin by sticking push-pins
through each nipple-tip.

Usually,
only a small amount of blood,
if any,
is produced.

Once the pins are removed,
the nipples begin to swell and sting.

At this point, rubbing alcohol
is applied with one-inch cubes
of pink fiberglass insulation.

It's important to use
a vigorous scrubbing motion.

I suck air through the cracks
in my clenched teeth.

The nipples and the surrounding skin
should be nice and red by now.

A note about which picking instrument
is the best: I have always, and will always,
use an ice pick, preferably one
made in America in the 1920s or earlier.

by J. D. Nelson