a little up to the left

it's an itch
in the  middle
of your back.
you can't quite
reach it
and spend
much of the day
rubbing your
spine like a cat
in heat against
the corners
of walls, door
edges, and poles
along your way.
some people
smile and nod,
they understand,
you see
them reaching
with their briefcases
and hairbrushes
to get to their
itch as well. it's not
quite the same
or as satisfying as
a nice pair
of hands with nails
scratching at
your direction
as you lie there
in the cool room
against the sheets.