Instruction

Take oil and pour it in your hand,
some bland carrier - grapeseed or almond
then drops of volatile lavender.

Go against the grain,
spine base to neck, thumbcircle -
make muscle surrender its knots.

I am not a cat, or wood or velvet.
Your hands can't take the nap
of me - disturbing it.

When you are done
lie close behind, between us
only oil and heat.

Don't speak louder than a whisper.
I am opened up.