The Tissue
Based on a dream I had where I couldn't stop my nose from running, from the tissue's perspective

I am perfect, clean, unblemished
Fresh and folded, ready-to-serve
I wait, with my brethren
Filled with purpose,
For the moment when I can
Take away your sins
Clean away your faults, take away your stains,
Make you clean again.
I am powerful in my purpose,
I can relieve you of germs, of dirt, of faults
I can fix your mistakes
But until then I wait,
With my like-minded friends,
Ready to fix your broken world.
The day comes, the light shines through the box,
I am plucked from the rabble
I’m excited, overcome, ready-to-serve
This is my moment, my purpose
I was made for just this reason,
And, though the pain is great, it must be done.
I am tugged upon, and crumpled,
My body twisted and torn
You blow into me, through me,
I don’t think I’m strong enough.
I am coated with your indiscretion,
Your sunflower-colored discharge.
I am finished, broken.
You ball me up and toss me away.
I am disposed of, out-of-mind.
I lay, stationary, used,
In the blue bin in the corner;
I have served my purpose.
I am picked up, moved,
Along with my broken brethren,
Tossed about, the journey is long.
I am poured in a container, drenched
Torn apart, broken down, purified
Pieced together, born again, placed back in the box.
I am perfect again, clean and unblemished.
I am ready-to-serve.
About the Creator
Bryan Buffkin
Bryan Buffkin is a high school English teacher, a football and wrestling coach, and an aspiring author from the beautiful state of South Carolina. His writing focuses on humorous observational musings and inspirational fiction.
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Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Compelling and original writing
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Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
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Original narrative & well developed characters
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Comments (12)
This poem is a stunning work of art, a powerful testament to the cyclical nature of life and the resilience of the human spirit. The use of a simple, everyday object - a tissue - as a metaphor for the ups and downs of existence is both poignant and insightful. The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world in which the struggle for perfection is both beautiful and brutal. The final stanza, in which the tissue is reborn, purified and ready-to-serve once again, is a triumph of hope over adversity. A must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of language.
👏👏👏 Wow! what a crazy cycle. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Great metaphor. Enjoyed this.
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Awesome work! So clever & well done!
Wow...I never thought I'd read a poem from the perspective of a tissue and actually enjoy it. Nice piece
Very enjoyable. "I am coated in your indiscretion " is a great line!
Love the gentle prodding of the mortal coil of a non-sentient being, interesting 🤨
👍😉
This is such a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the seemingly insignificant object of a tissue. Bravo!
Very witty and a cool perspective to consider.
Delightful! I like how you took something so ordinary and gave us a new perspective.