from the spout
almost scalding water bubbles up between my toes
the tub fills up to brown belly
nipples touch the surface
tea candles in a precarious line against the wall
flames bouncing off ceramic tiles
holding my breath, i slip down
staying under for long moments
like a balloon not ready to pop to the surface
like a small dolphin jumping out of water
i fly up and out, waves splash all over the bathroom floor
black smoke rises from abruptly extinguished candles
and stings my eyes
grab a plush towel, dry off dripping digits
a book waits, knowing
like a would be lover
on a bed wide open
waiting for fingers to grab, hold
word by word
line by line
memory by memory
i taste metaphors and drink similies until
the hot water has steamed away
tepid water soaks deep into feet
that’s wrinkled beyond belief
then and only then will i leave this place
that brings words to life and tatoos stories
on glistening skin
