There is a gazebo somewhere

in the shade of the Pennsylvania forest.

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Do you remember the summer
when we were so nervous

we tore up all the wood?

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We got it stuck under our fingernails.

How do you touch someone softly

with splinters in your hands?

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I wonder if you ever find wood

stuck between your teeth.

Do you swallow it? Does it hurt?

Does it make you bleed?

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These days, I am finding it everywhere.

I unclogged the shower, 

only to find it was full

of wood.

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There are pieces 

stuck in my throat

and behind my ears

and in my hair.

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I hope whenever you get a splinter

you think of me.

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