I reached for something I needed and came away bloodied
The sting and slice into my thumb
Instant notice of my mistake
I should have known, but didn’t
The bag was dark

Embarrassed eyes avert from my unclean bandage
A constant reminder
That I did not protect myself
And now no one can
I am dangerous

Now there is only a slight scar
Visible when the light is just right
And no one is embarrassed
But me
For needing