Unyielding fingers, deft
rifles through the index
searching albums
compilations of experiences
a preserve of many pages, stained
the proof of life in silent
testament to my reality
extracting with seeming
calm, yet calculated ease
deeply embedded emotions
severing the veins that feed
distant darkened memories
instantly removing a myriad
of sinuous shames
rambling regrets
a plethora of pain
laying bare the tarnished tissue
on shimmering sheets of steel
excising in masterful recognition
distorted arteries of retention
rendering fears faceless
with surgical precision
relieving, releasing me
finally into powerful
peaceful and purposeful
remission