water

toes test temperature,
vetiver, ancient healer,
assures his touch on thighs,
so lower your body
in the warm water,
let islands of knees
and shoulders sink,
stretch, look at the ceiling,
when the back of your neck,
soaks the comfort of the wet,
you say, 'i love you!'

but he's deaf now.
the failure of the years
between you,
is clear in the lines of his face.
there is no gleam in his eye,
to collect as memory.

so you stop struggling.
quell reflex with resignation.
and let him press
sternum and shoulder harder,
and let water fill your lungs.