Cleanse

If I scrub at the layers

of cells and sinew

will I be happy


If my nails scrape

at flesh and muscle

will I be pleased


If the water burns

hot enough to melt fat away

will I be content


If I scour myself

down to bone

will I be satisfied


If the steam blurs

my body from sight

will I be light


Can I erode the pieces

I don’t like with force

and watch the swirl 

of pink and suds

down the drain



with relief?

Published in Allium, A Journal of Poetry & Prose, Fall 2023 Online Issue