the itch, in fact, is how I notice

A fact: I am afraid to need from another.

afraid that if they fulfill, I’ll rely, 

then... *poof*

the rug, from beneath us, burned

flash fire.

 slash, say, it was infested:

BEDBUGS

but it was just a little worn!

needing a good cleaning

better placement

no, it had to go.

removed from sight

as if that will stop the itch,

prevent future bites 

from bugs we tried to vanquish

who persisted:

squirmed into eardrums,

sidled onto dreamscapes 

and rattled.

what’s left when you wake?

in the wake, living room bare,

was it always this small?

exposing dull floorboards,

any attempt at tap dance and

your soles splintered.

soak in salt water,

tweeze out each one:

an old regret,

a need suppressed.

an empty an ikea rug

cannot suffice.