Day Bath 
       for my son

    Last night I walked him back and forth,
    his small head heavy against my chest,
    round eyes watching me in the dark,
    his body a sandbag in my arms.
    I longed for sleep but couldn't bear his crying
    so bore him back and forth until the sun rose
    and he slept. Now the doors are open,
    noon sunlight coming in,
    and I can see fuchsias opening.
    Now we bathe. I hold him, the soap
    makes our skins glide past each other.
    I lay him wet on my thighs, his head on my knees,
    his feet dancing against my chest,
    and I rinse him, pouring water
    from my cupped hand.
    No matter how I feel, he's the same,
    eyes expectant, mouth ready,
    with his fat legs and arms,
    his belly, his small solid back.
    Last night I wanted nothing more
    than to get him out of my arms.
    Today he fits neatly
    along the hollow my thighs make,
    and with his fragrant skin against mine
    I feel brash, like a sunflower.

                          Debra Spencer