Scabies

When I had scabies
It built me up.
I became one big, secret tube of Beth.
It was very strange, because
For once I couldn't reveal myself to the people
I was familiar with,
The people I was used to having round me.
So I'd shamsmile
While my skin minutely
Contracted
With itch.

Once, I wore a shirt and tie,
But then we went to the beach.
I sat in the shade but
Still I wanted to
Peel my skin off