I'm hammering on something.

It's tough, and won't give-the

hammer bounces off it.

I try to get my fingers in a crack,

under an edge, to pry it up.

My fingertips sting and prickle.

My nails bend back.

I try to get my canines on it,

to scrape it, to tear it open with

my teeth.

I cry out in exasperation and

throw it to the ground.

And again.

And again.

This damn thing-

I'll never get it right.