Polishing the pearl

I consider the layers and layers of shielding, blanketed,

wrapped protectively around the point source of pain.

What once was sharp has been covered over - it is now smooth and blunt.

Beautiful as it may be, it is not alive,

and these blankets are taking up space.

I begin with the outermost layer,

polishing my way toward the center.

It will take as long as it takes

to thank each for its service,

contemplate its beauty in response to pain,

to say to each one,

I care about this suffering,

and ask permission to see what lies beneath.