The sink in which I wash my dishes
rarely has much hot water
(though the cold water burns)
and so I do my dishes most often
when I seek the solace of water
when I seek the temporary healing
that numbness provides
that buffer of soap suds
between pain and clarity
though even that powerful salve
scorches the hands red
if one plays too long
amid icy bubbles
but usually before then
I have staunched the bleeding
and can withdraw
still aching from cure and disease
but healed enough
to heal
until more dishes get dirty.
Back to Stuff I Wrote.
© Cynthia 2002.