II xxxvi. the second time

the first time i got

pricked? burnt? bitten?

by a nettle

you smiled in perplexed surprise

gurgled "i can't believe you just did that."

i laughed

because i hadn't known

what a nettle did

i had never encountered one before

this time

i was trying to reach a seed

under darker leaves

felt something rough but didn't pay attention

until the fire shot strong

i just said "ow, ow, ow"

even though i had registered the hurt

because i was dismayed i didn't notice 

you said "yes, there are nettles"

fourteen hours later

my right hand flickers fire

every few minutes

i think of what you said
"there are several things/meanings there"

it is good
i do well with physical representations
it is a badge, reminding me of my tasks

&

i hope the pain

teaches me

vigilance