Eyelash Armor

I count my eye lashes every night and morning
to ensure they're all still there.
Google claims I'll lose three to five a day,
but I've got none to spare.

They will not succumb to nature.
I will not permit it.

Every day I take a tally,
stroking every trifling fiber
of every soft black strand.
I'm not used to losing things,
and I refuse to lose
my eyelash armor,
when I'm already losing you.

And as my pinkies graze
the shields around my eyes,
I am comforted.
I am indestructible.

They will not
tear off
wear out
fly
flee
float
bolt
die--

I will not allow it.

Every day I count my eye lashes
to be certain
they've not got away.
I hold my breath and only hope
for 200 goodbyes I'll never need to say.

Every day I count my eye lashes
I shake in fear
'cause I see ghosts around my eyes.