conch

Unlike most other ear piercings we do not initially pierce the Conch with a ball closure ring. Instead we fit Conch piercings with barbells as these are more comfortable to wear during the healing process.  

The average healing time for these piercings is 10-12 weeks.  
-   Taken from www.fluxpiercing.co.uk.

 
it’s not infected, he tells me, as though that were the worst thing
but it will not heal - wakes me throbbing in the night
warm water and salt, he says, gentle antiseptic
my neck finds unnatural angles
stretches until delicate folds of skin
reach a plastic dish of moisture
and I hear only the echo of a conch suffocating

the smell of lavender had covered that of rubbing alcohol
as sharply pointed silver pushed its way through
like weaponry, tearing at the point of impact
and my cartilage cells could only burn

perhaps if I’d chosen something round, less aggressive
before this thick, dull-edged stud with its limited range of motion
the space could have healed
instead I can only hold tight to one end, twist the other and pull gingerly
let walls close over the raw inside
as scar tissue  
so none may enter
not even she
not even I