Devil’s Claw, Victoria Barry
that’s jagged
and circular
like a small stone
severed from
a larger rock
The dried blood
cavernous and sharp
Pussing
from the eye
of the sore
It stings
itches
begging me
to pick at it
Peel back
Split it apart from
healing skin
Pink and dry
Ripe
Not ready to be exposed
I pick at that too
Let a drop of
thick blood
course down
my leg
and trickle
between my toes
Never healing
but scarring
A remnant
of the wound
that marred
my rough skin
like a brand
seared
into a calf’s hide.
About the Author
Emily Bieniek · Columbia College Chicago
Emily Bieniek is a Poetry student at Columbia College Chicago. Her works have been featured in The Lab Review and The Garland Court Review. This piece was first published in Columbia Poetry Review.
About the Artist
Victoria Barry · Mount Saint Mary’s University
Victoria Barry is an artist residing in Washington, D.C. Her work is inspired by cultural exploration, utilizing creative problem solving to create visual narratives. Devil’s Claw first appeared in Lighted Corners.
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