#sweatstained

sweatstained

drenched in sweat

covered in the mildew of a pressing life

boils and bumps solidify on the surface

of skin secreting oil and saltwater

the oppressive heat of stress

causes the subject to melt just a little

an off-kilter shape is left behind

not quite deformed but not quite the same

spit and urine are not-so-distant cousins

it itches when dry but also when slathered

and the process never stops

living is the medium through which we are disgusting

momentary battles are won with hot water

sweet smelling soaps and lathers and perfumes

but the products of a hygienic ideal

simply become the base layer of tomorrow’s filth

only in death does it stop

where instead of distaste there is detritus

a tragic kind of ugly

outside of one’s control

the only pressure felt

is the weight of the dirt surrounding

there is no need to sweat

there is no need at all

the truth is itself a burden