In the Bathroom...

[SylvrFlwr]

One is wholly refined filling
the bathtub with scalding water,
commanding it engulf the room
in temperate clouds to wade through.

Enchanting mist penetrates the
soul of she within whispering
incantations in the false fog,
heedless of the outside world.

Immersion claims the worn relic--
anointed victim of ages--
the remnant of fire and ash,
decay and neglect thereafter.

Expelling impurity, the
solemn rite sloughs away calloused
flesh--a snake shedding skin on rock--
thus reborn through its burden freed.

The ritual act now effected
an awakened self arises,
emerges draped in solitude--
naked--dripping in candle light.