Hymn to the Kleenex

Oh, friend-
no one gets as close to me as you.

So delicate, so clean,

Trapped, innocently, in a cardboard cage,
Like so many stacked beneath you.

In my hour of need, I search for you.

Urgently, I pluck you from your bondage.

Like the net beneath the trapeze,
you are my safety.

When I find you, all that is within me
spills into your generous arms.
Thick, viscous, it keeps me from breathing.

I fear that our friendship will ruin you.

I look down to see my friend,

and I am disgusted by what I see.

Dear tissue, I know you no longer.
Ashamed, I cover you with my hand.
Crumple you.
And toss you to your new cage.