a ring in the nose

i've never

understood the ring

in people's

noses.

it looks so painful.

before the last decade

or two,

you usually only

saw a ring

in the noses of animals,

mostly

cattle

to lead them around

by a rope.

strung through the 

circular piece of iron.

making

them submissive.

or to wean them off of milk.

but now

it's decorative.

it's rebellious,

it's an artistic expression.

lovely.

but i can't help wonder

about metal

detectors

and getting a cold.

and blowing their nose,

what about allergies?

hay fever.

is it difficult to kiss someone

who also has a ring

in their nose?

do they ever snag it on

their clothes?

like a mohair sweater?