I reached deep within myself
to pull reluctantly on a wounding memory
With a tight clenched fist
Proverbial fingernails broke through
The skin of my core existence

I hesitated to reveal tormenting truth
Certain it would only bring more agony
A deep desire overcame the moment
Wanting to shred it apart like old news
Into a million unrecognizable pieces

Once surfaced from hidden depths
I beheld the pain with newly opened eyes
Years ago the burial kept it down
A bitter stench reminded me it was dead