Arriving, promptly, practical bag to hand. Inviting in friendly fire. Smiling while offering up the route to infiltration. No need to appear burdensome.
Poison. Bestowed by appointment, in increments. Regularity is key. There is the business of getting through. Of not encountering delay.
Time to absorb the abrasive bringer of life. Expect scouring. Rubbing away. Bleeding, scabbing, ulcerating. Sustenance turned to stone. Evidence left in corners of shower stalls.
Prepare to receive the bite from the bark of the tree of life and death. Don armour and cotton padding. Wear a face shield. Roll in to a ball. It will not be muzzled and kept at arms length.
It comes, bearing gifts as it sees fit. Arbitrary removal of kindness. No quarter, given or expected. No notice required for cells to implode.
