sometimes when I am still
I submerge myself in memory's warmth
like a hot bath on a frozen night
I dip my toes, a smile ripples on my lips
it stings a little but I never stop there

blowing thought bubbles with the suds
kisses of yesterday, giggles long gone
and then I stay too long, always too long
as the steam fogs my pupils with a wet film
as the heat becomes almost unbearable

I knew the electric wire was destined to swim
I shudder and suddenly I am back
electrocuted to a dry reality
hurtling through the underground
on a rush hour train in mid July

you were there too, in the water
did it make you sweat?
make your fingertips prune?
make your pores sigh?
alone I emerge, but I do not feel clean