Tree Sap

As your skin peels
The facial nerve turns visible
For dozens of people
Who want to cut it
To leave you paralyzed

You call them friends
They’re poison dart frogs
Pretty and harmful
Shaking your hand
Inviting you in

They were once gentle
Their pain lightweight
Like powder down feathers
Before the hunter arrived
To imprint them with fear

Now they lash out
In the quietest moments
Of unexpected days
Their words like tree sap
You can’t easily wash off