I loved
to give
you a bath,
you giggled
over
every splash.

You'd look at me
your youth so bright
a baby now,
calm, alright

but how could thirteen
seize your soul
speed your body
and lose control?

Dark brunette. Five-foot-five
Sprawling man but a babe inside.


Today I soap
and scrub,
grab your foot
and tickle my love--

You writhe
and search
and then bemoan

A wince and kick
are all you show.