Thorns

I removed a spine from my thumb today. The cactus didn't know I meant no harm when I moved it from its usual position to make space for the craftsmen coming to replace the windows in my flat. It was me being careless to allow one of its spines to pierce my skin, thus causing me pain and discomfort and irritation.

I wish removing the metaphorical splinter from my heart were that easy. Again, it was me being careless for allowing it to get there. But I'm afraid its removal would cause me to bleed to death unless done with maximum care and consideration, and even then the outcome would be uncertain.