Eye Examination

Not long after I would sit, as instructed, on

the stool, part open my eyes for her to examine,

with a laser’s red fingertip, what lies within –

I would flinch, then writhe, knowing she

had discovered secrets, pieces of thoughts, anonymous

notes, that reside in the dark, cluttered chambers of me.

I would feel guilt, exposed, surrounded with shame,

while she would know to say, here, please, drink this glass of water.