oyster

I find that the presence within me of negative thoughts about others, even if well-justified by a sense of self-defense and self-preservation, decreases the quality of life I am able to enjoy. Like a piece of glass embedded in flesh, it only continues to cut and cause pain until it can be removed.

If I am to be inflicted with such shrapnel, I desire only to be left alone while I, like an oyster, slowly enshroud the offending shard with my own enamel, rounding the edges and distancing myself until I am finally able to handle (and expel) the packaged result.

Perhaps someone else can appreciate the pearl that I only want to be rid of so that my wounds will stay healed.