The mosquito bite
just above my left ankle
smaller by far
than a freckle 
preoccupies me

IT itches
Don’t scratch!
I examine IT closely:
A small red mark
slightly puffy

IT fascinates me

I rub IT
I try to ignore IT
I slather on aloe vera
I rub IT some more

I focus on ignoring IT

I inspect IT closely
No visible change
I rub IT some more
sneak in a stealthy
scratch or two

I return to ignoring IT
Pretend to ignore IT

That mosquito bite
just above my left ankle
smaller by far
than a freckle 
IT owns me