in the bathtub, palish white, scalding water taunts the brim. the submerged flesh cannot distinguish between extremities of hot or cold. seeping in every pour like quick needles, it hurts so lovingly. head drooping to one side. fingertips and toes wilting like the roses in your neighbors garden you tried so desperately to water with your secrets as a child. you can feel the weight of each exhale pour out of your tired lungs. the breath, is the heavy one as your body mimics an ownerless feather. perhaps from a crow. or cardinal. maybe a meadowlark, skylark, albatross? it's hard to say.