Self Soothe

I’ve always licked my lips when they are chapped. Over and over again until a disgusting, red ring forms around my mouth, one that stings and tugs like a ripening sunburn. It’s a bad habit I’ve never been able to kick. I imagine I will always stick out my wet tongue and wring it between my lip-wrapped teeth like a sponge, knowing it will soon dry into an irritating film. How nice it is to do the easier thing, to feel momentarily relieved before it gets worse. I welcome things getting worse, so long as I get comfort now.

Caitlin Thurston​