Bathtime

I register few memories of times past.
My life's a whirlwind haze,
or a stagnant blank.

Cannot draw on experience because I
Can't remember.

But bathtime visions flit
stealthily into my head
.Unbidden.
of rough towel, rough but firm,
sparked by the briskness of good common sense
and concern
shuffling over my skin.
Momentary discomfort&;#8230;soon drying
into
warmth

And years later,
Unpropelled by practical concern,
I stand alone,
encased in towel
Trapped in a moment of damp warmth.

afraid to step out into the cold beyond