Excision

The nurse at the dermatologist’s office tells me I have two options
for removing one of the many moles—symmetrical, but larger than a pencil eraser—
 
littering my back. The first option      surgical           will leave a small linear scar
after the stitches dissolve. But I won’t be able to shower or lift heavy objects
 
for several weeks. She pauses and asks if I have any young kids.
Yes, she’s two.
 
Well, there’s a second option  shave   which has no restrictions
but will leave a large round scar, like a cigarette burn.
 
Naturally, I choose the scar over stitches, the embrace over absence,
however brief. Naturally, months later I still sport an angry red mark
 
right in the middle of my back, a healed-over bullet hole spouting sunlight.
How we give. How we give and give
 
and give and give and give.