Band Aid

It's hard to bandage the left
with the hand remaining,
if it's the one you use less;

stop red blood flowing
in the sink, on the counter,
making mess;

and get rid of the helpful dog
that is trying to lick
drops of blood.

You shut the door to the bathroom,
lock your good dog out,
feel around for the antiseptic.

The good dog howls
and the Band Aid again
becomes snarled;

so unpeel another,
finally get it flat on the wound,
so can stick it down.

So now it’s done: dog fed
and the wife come home;
the bathroom
once again spotless.

Just one more sliver of life,
one small occasion.