scratches

skin pulled taut and tight
burning like the light
that seeps through cracks
underneath the door

from stray branches and walking
throughout the woods, balking
at the idea
of no path

water rests on skin
as the drain pulls water in
and we are clean
as clean can be

pillow soft and wet from hair
the scratched skin no longer fair
skin is pulled taut and tight
as we drift off to sleep