Take the first bite, even though you can see the steam rising off the triangle slice.
It's not the bottom dough part or the sauce,
but the cheese that was sizzling 60 seconds ago that scalds the roof of your mouth.
If you could examine it in a mirror, it might be a little triangular burn spot.
Why can't you just wait a few minutes to take the first bite?
Tomorrow it's a blister.
Poke it with your tongue till it peels away.
Restoring order to the inside of your hard palate,
but also inciting a dull ache that lasts a few more days.
Lips pressed and jaw lowered.
As your tongue explores, you look like a person trying to mumble a joke no one else can hear.
Finally, after three long days irritated, you're able to get two slices of pizza again.
You never learn.
You burn yourself again.
