One keeps gently probing,

careful in exposing each layer.

The dig is recorded for review,

the object no further damage

added to what years have done.

The other seems relaxed, casual,

fear betrayed by shifting eyes,

as if the walls could reflect peace,

could absorb the pain caught

in his mind like a spear in bone.

Calls and responses, clinical, soft,

broken at points by friendly banter,

all of it part of the recovery effort.

It’s a long process. The hour is up.

They agree to a session next week.

(after an unattributed photograph of a spear-pierced bone, found at https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=341525778498614&set=a.144253828225811&locale=zh_CN)