Foxtails

A day when I can’t
   pull all the foxtails out
the pokey and embedded
I work my hands to get a hold 
pinch between two fingers 
but today their strength unmatched by mine
they come in force and numbers
I tell myself to ignore
    for just a tiny foxtail

Abruptly           
I pull clothes away 
to see the wounds inflicted 
some seen with magnifying glass 
    others red flecks on epidermis       

“spare time to mend”
“ignored may brood”
“the tiniest become infected”           
    or so I proclaim to former self 
    if only self would listen 
__________
Santa Monica Mountains, Ca