Taking baths

It’s been years since I had a bath.

I used to have one every night. I would always make it too hot.

Adding generous amounts of coloured liquid soaps to the cascading water falling into the open tub.

I loved the warm caress as I slipped under –  

And the silence it brought as I let my head sink below the surface.

Inviting the water to take away the air completely as it enveloped my face.

Washing gently, I would dissolve the day’s toils and then watch them slowly coil and drain away.

It was my time.

Now, that time has passed and my moments of respite have been put on hold.

I no longer have a bath to retreat to or a door to leave open.

Shut away, my solace is out of reach

– for now.